Ronaldo, 40, to Captain Portugal in Pivotal Home Qualifiers

Portugal’s national team prepares for a decisive autumn week with two home fixtures that could all but lock up a return to the World Cup — and, yes, Cristiano Ronaldo will once again lead the line. The 40-year-old captain headlines a 25-man squad that mixes household names with a handful of fresh faces, as manager Roberto Martínez juggles injuries, form and the looming pressure of qualification.

The bigger picture: one foot in North America

Holding a perfect record after September’s double-header, Portugal sit atop Group F with 6 points and a goal difference that dwarfs their rivals. Victory against Republic of Ireland on Friday and Hungary the following Monday would push the Seleção to 12 points from 4 matches, a tally that would leave only Armenia mathematically capable of catching them. While the calculators may have to stay out for another month, the mood inside Cidade do Futebol is that a successful October will make November a mere formality. Martínez told reporters that the focus is on “finishing the job at home” before thinking about the final two qualifying dates.

Ronaldo’s endless appetite for milestones

Lisbon’s Estádio de Alvalade has witnessed plenty of Ronaldo heroics over the past two decades. This time the Al Nassr forward is chasing yet another record: the all-time scoring mark in World Cup qualifying. He needs three more goals to pull clear of Iranian great Ali Daei. Speaking at the Portugal Football Globes gala on Monday, the Madeira native insisted his hunger is undiminished: “The dream is still to play — and win — a sixth World Cup.” Coaching staff confirm the veteran is fully fit after a busy Saudi Pro League schedule and remains first choice up front.

Returns, absences and youthful injections

Not everything went according to plan for the medical department. Dynamic full-back João Cancelo failed a late fitness test on a muscular issue, paving the way for Nelson Semedo to reclaim the right-back slot. Midfielder João Neves also withdrew with a thigh strain picked up for PSG, prompting Martínez to shift Nuno Tavares into the group. On the positive side, Matheus Nunes, Rafael Leão and Semedo all rejoin after missing September. Rising centre-half Renato Veiga, thriving at Villarreal, keeps his seat and may see minutes if Martínez opts to rest veterans Rúben Dias or Pepe.

How the qualification maths stack up

Even with a pair of home wins, Portugal cannot clinch the group outright this week because Armenia could still, in theory, match a 12-point haul. Goal difference — currently +6 in Portugal’s favour — would become the next tie-breaker. A split of points in the simultaneous Hungary-Armenia clash would simplify matters, but Martínez stressed his players “must ignore outside noise and handle what we control.” Finishing first secures direct passage to the expanded 48-team tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico; runners-up head to a perilous play-off route.

Alvalade ready for a festival atmosphere

More than 45,000 tickets for each match were snapped up within hours, and the Portuguese Football Federation has organised pre-game fan zones featuring fado performers, street food and a nod to North American culture — Tex-Mex stalls and Canadian poutine among them. Lisbon authorities have warned of heavy traffic along Segunda Circular and advise supporters to use public transport, with the green-line metro running extended hours until 01:30.

What to watch for on the pitch

• Will Bernardo Silva operate as a central playmaker or drift wide to form the familiar triangle with Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot?• Could teenage striker Gonçalo Ramos earn a start to spare Ronaldo the full 90 minutes in both encounters?• How will Hungary cope without suspended midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, and can Ireland’s compact 5-3-2 blunt Portugal’s wing play?

Martínez hinted at “rotations without losing identity,” signalling that depth pieces — think Pedro Neto or Francisco Conceição — may be unleashed from the bench. Kick-off against Ireland is set for 19:45 local time on Friday, with RTP 1 and Sport TV broadcasting live. Three nights later, the same channels carry the Hungary clash at the identical hour. Should all go to script, the nation could be celebrating a near-certain ninth World Cup adventure before the leaves are done falling.