Many Brits choose Spain and Portugal but another destination has topped a retirement ranking thanks to its affordable lifestyle, Golden Visa and Mediterranean climate
Many Brits decide to retire abroad(Image: Getty)
The world’s top retirement destination for 2026 has been unveiled, and it might not be where you’d expect. While many Brits dream of retiring to the sun-soaked towns of Spain or Portugal, a new contender has emerged.
The UK’s often dreary weather leaves many yearning for a change of scenery as they enter their golden years. But choosing where to spend your retirement isn’t just about finding a sunny spot – you also need to consider factors like cost of living, healthcare, housing, visas, climate and how easy it is to settle in.
Every year, International Living’s 2026 Annual Global Retirement Index takes all these factors into account to reveal the best place in the world to retire. And this year, a country has topped the list for the first time ever.
Greece has been crowned the ultimate retirement destination thanks to its affordable lifestyle, private healthcare, accessible visa options and enviable Mediterranean climate.
“Greece’s rise to number one marks a shift in Europe’s retirement landscape,” said Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor of International Living. “For years, Portugal and Spain led the way, but recent visa changes and rising costs have retirees looking elsewhere.”, reports the Express.
“Greece now offers what many are seeking-a beautiful, welcoming, and affordable European base with accessible residency options and a lifestyle that feels rich in every sense.”
The Mediterranean nation scored highly across climate, healthcare and housing categories – essential factors for those seeking to settle abroad.
Greece’s Golden Visa scheme, which offers residency through property investment, stands out as one of Europe’s most straightforward options, especially following Portugal’s recent policy changes.
International Living’s Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann said: “All in all, when it comes to Golden Visa options, I’d say Greece is more than the new Portugal… it may be even better.”
The publication’s Greece correspondent Leena Horner relocated to Corfu four years ago with her husband. The couple maintain a comfortable lifestyle on roughly €2,900-€3,000 monthly, approximately £2,600.
Coastal properties typically rent for €600 to €1,000 per month, whilst a meal for two with wine ranges from €30-€50, maxing out at around £44.
Reflecting on her relocation, Leena said: “Greece quietly transforms the way you live. It’s not just one thing; it’s the climate, the siga siga attitude of taking life slowly, the vibrant community, and the daily connection with nature.”
Greece features over 8,000 miles of coastline and enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine annually. European locations have dominated the 2026 rankings, with Greece, Portugal, Italy, France, and Spain all securing spots in the Top 10.
Whether you’re looking to book your next summer getaway at a beach resort or a city weekend break, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have released some major deals with up to £400 off
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have some big savings for family getaways (Image: Getty Images)
While we might be engrossed in the festivities, with less than a month until Christmas, it’s never too early to start planning for that holiday next year. And this week might be the best time, as Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have released some remarkable deals with savings of up to £400 for a family of four travelling to European hotspots.
Today (28 November) marks Black Friday, with a catalogue of airlines, hotels, and travel booking websites offering significant savings to mark the occasion. This includes Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, which have released huge deals available on all flights and holidays from today.
The leading leisure airline and the UK’s largest tour operator is offering holidaymakers £100 off per person on all holidays on sale across Winter 25/26, Summer 26, Winter 26/27 and Summer 27. This means a family of four can save a whopping £400 for a holiday in Spain or Portugal, and still travel during the school holidays.
This doesn’t just apply to families, but also to couples who book a getaway with Jet2holidays during the Black Friday sale, which could result in a £200 discount. There are also millions of hotels and resorts that offer free accommodations for children, providing even further savings.
The Black Friday deals are applicable to all new bookings made with Jet2holidays, Jet2Villas, Jet2CityBreaks, VIBE by Jet2holidays or Indulgent Escapes by Jet2holidays. This provides even more flexibility to travellers with the option to stay at an all-inclusive beach resort or opt for a quieter getaway in a villa situated in the hills.
But that’s not all. Holidaymakers can also enjoy a 20% discount off all Jet2.com flights on sale. After all, as we’ve all heard amid the tunes of Jess Glynne, “nothing beats a Jet2 holiday”.
Steve Heapy, CEO at Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “There is nothing better than knowing you have a holiday booked and something to look forward to. The savings we are offering during our biggest, boldest and best Black Friday event ever means that customers can enjoy the feeling of knowing their holiday is in the diary whilst getting a fantastic deal on a discounted getaway or fare at the same time.
“Whether it is a family holiday, a break with the other half, or a group get together, we know everyone really needs that well-deserved holiday. With deals this good, there is no better time to book, so make sure you do not miss out on our Black Friday sale and get that sunshine boxed up with the nation’s favourite and most trusted holiday provider.”
For more information or to book your next getaway, you can visit the Jet2.com and Jet2holidays websites.
‘I never mind doing the same walk over and over again,” said our guide, Joana Almeida, crouching beside a cluster of flowers. “Each time, there are new things – these weren’t here yesterday.” Standing on stems at least two centimetres tall and starring the dirt with white petals, the fact these star of Bethlehem flowers sprung up overnight was a beautiful testament to how quickly things can grow and regenerate in this hilly, inland section of the Algarve, the national forest of Barão de São João. It was also reassuring to learn that in an area swept by forest fires in September, species such as strawberry trees (which are fire-resistant thanks to their low resin content) were beginning to bounce back – alongside highly flammable eucalyptus, which hinders other fire-retardant trees such as oak. Volunteers were being recruited to help with rewilding.
Visitor numbers to the Algarve are growing, with 2024 showing an increase of 2.6% on the previous year – but most arrivals head straight for the beach, despite there being so much more to explore. The shoreline is certainly wild and dramatic but the region is also keen to highlight the appeal of its inland areas. With the development of year-round hiking and cycling trails, plus the introduction of nature festivals, attention is being drawn to these equally compelling landscapes, featuring mountains and dense woodlands. The Algarve Walking Season (AWS) runs a series of five walking festivals with loose themes such as “water” and “archaeology” between November and April. It’s hoped they will inspire visitors year round, boosting the local economy and helping stem the tide of younger generations leaving in search of work.
Stretching it out at Walk & Art Fest. Photograph: Carlos Afonso/Sarah Rodrigues
Our visit to the national forest coincided with a weekend festival with the theme of “art”, focused on the white-washed village north-west of Barão de São João. As well as guided hikes, departing from the cultural centre, free events ranged from learning how to make natural coloured inks, to theatre workshops, tai chi and sketching. There were two photography exhibitions running plus several other child-friendly activities, such as leaf safaris and making bird-feeders.
Even before our drop-in afternoon screen-printing session at the cultural centre our walk into the forest with Joana had the feeling of an art trail. Marked at the start by standing stones painted with images of traditional agricultural folk, it was studded en route with smaller, permanently placed stones depicting examples of wildlife, including hedgehogs and lynxes – the latter’s population reviving, thanks to a rehabilitation centre based in the castle town of Silves.
Hikers on the Via Algarviana. Photograph: Stephen Taylor/Alamy
As the trail wound up to its highest point, the menhir (standing stone) on the Pedra do Galo trail, it became more densely vegetated with the resinous scent of pine. There was a ripeness to the air and solid, amber-hued bubbles bulged from bark. Limestone glistened underfoot and tiny frogs sat by pond edges, throats pulsing. In the distance, wind turbines cartwheeled against the sky.
Francisco Simões, our guide the following day, was again keen to point out these inland areas can be explored year-round. Waymarked hikes, established in recent years, are offshoots of the Via Algarviana, a route that stretches from the border with Spain for 186 miles, all the way to the Atlantic, and many are now linked to an app that makes navigation even easier.
At the tile painting workshop. Photograph: Sarah Rodrigues
Francisco established ecotourism outfit Algarvian Roots in 2020 and offers experiences from birdwatching to full-day guided hikes, all with the same aims as the AWS: to promote the region by way of immersion, education and cultural awareness. The art connection is here, too – his mother, ceramicist Margarida Palma Gomes, had taught us to paint azulejos, the distinctive blue and white glazed tiles seen throughout the country, two days earlier on a festival workshop. Visits to her studio, as well as to a local potter, can also be arranged through Algarvian Roots.
After an excellent lunch of pork cheek and cabbage in A Charrette in Monchique, a pretty mountain town flanked by the Algarve’s two highest peaks, the 902-metre Fóia and 774-metre Picota, Francisco led us down steeply cobbled streets and into a side lane, where an older couple sunned themselves at the front of their home. A steep path took us into the woods, the ground strewn with acorns. Here, Francisco was eager to show us cork trees, Portugal’s national tree and legally protected since the 13th century. Not only are they naturally fire-resistant, but their pliable bark is a source of income for locals, who harvest it to sell to other industries, particularly wine making and construction. Each tree is marked with a number, denoting when it was last stripped, ensuring that the tree’s nine-year regenerative cycle is observed.
Francisco has fears for the future of the cork trees – not only are screw-tops now commonly used on wine bottles, but harvesting skills are dying out, as the next generation choose different career paths. Smiling, he urged us to do our bit for the industry by drinking generous quantities of good wine sealed with cork. We agreed, not very grudgingly, to do our best.
A pastel-pretty street in Monchique. Photograph: Nick Maslen/Alamy
Earlier in the day, Francisco had shown us a wall covered in meticulously detailed azulejos depicting elements of traditional local life. One of these showed magusto, the annual festival where chestnuts are roasted on fires and shared by the community each November. This was perfect timing as, walking back into Monchique, strains of tinny, discordant music reached our ears, and a smell of smoke hung in the air. On arrival we were swept up by a multi-generational crowd, armed with cups of wine and thimblefuls of chestnut liqueur, as the nuts were roasted on glowing coals. Everyone swarmed around the firepits, brown paper bags in hand, and scooped their fill. Faces were wreathed with smiles and children shrieked excitedly; the music we’d winced at a few minutes earlier now had us dancing.
It was a joyful, authentic celebration of local life and culture. A reminder of the rewards awaiting those who leave the coast behind and head inland – regardless of the season.
The trip was provided by Visit Algarve. For more information about the Algarve Walking Season festivals and schedule of free festival events visit algarvewalkingseason.com
The island’s microclimate means daytime highs hover around 19C in January, making it a great winter sun destination, and those seeking winter sun can find cheap flights if they visit in January
Sandy Praia da Calheta is a popular beach for visitors(Image: Getty)
Budget airline easyJet has launched a Black Friday sale, offering dozens of routes at bargain prices. For those seeking a winter sun getaway, one particular destination is likely to pique your interest, with flights in January starting from just £15.99 each way.
Madeira, situated just north of the Canary Islands, is gaining popularity during the winter months due to its microclimate that provides mild weather. January is an especially pleasant time to visit, with daytime temperatures averaging around 19C. The month of January 2025 was particularly warm, with historical data indicating temperatures soared up to 23C.
Often referred to as ‘Europe’s Hawaii’, Madeira shares similar volcanic terrain and lush greenery with the islands. Like Hawaii, the Portuguese island of Madeira also boasts some breathtaking beaches to discover.
Many of Madeira’s beaches are pebble or black sand, a result of its volcanic nature, so don’t forget to pack your flip flops. However, there are some manmade sandy beaches such as Praia da Calheta, a popular spot with crystal clear seas and piers that create tranquil swimming zones, reports the Express.
If you’re looking to swim and unwind by the sea, another option is to visit the stunning Complexo Balnear do Lido – a lido complex in Funchal. Made up of two seawater pools that overlook the ocean, you can either take a dip or simply grab a sun lounger and bask in the weather.
Madeira is a top choice for hiking enthusiasts, particularly during the winter months when the trails are less crowded and the weather is pleasantly mild.
One of the favourite hikes is along the cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço at the easternmost point of the island. This trek spans just under four miles in total, taking roughly 2.5 hours to complete on some uneven paths.
But stick with it and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of both the north and south sides of Madeira.
The trail at Pico do Arieiro takes you to one of the island’s highest points, standing at an altitude of 1,818 metres. There’s a challenging seven-hour trail for experienced hikers, offering ample time to soak up the lush green mountain landscape.
If you’re after a hike that’s a bit easier on the knees, you can choose to walk one way and catch a shuttle bus back.
When it comes to accommodation, there’s plenty of choice. The capital, Funchal, is a popular pick, especially around the historic Zona Velha with its narrow cobbled streets, traditional Portuguese houses, and independent shops.
It’s also a vibrant spot to visit in the evening, boasting a variety of bars and restaurants, many featuring outdoor terraces where you can watch the sunset.
Machico, located on the southeast of the island, is another fantastic spot to consider for your stay. It boasts a sandy beach with breathtaking mountain views, popular coastal and inland hiking trails, and a popular golf club.
From Machico, you can also embark on numerous tours for whale and dolphin watching. While summer is the prime time for spotting these magnificent creatures, visitors earlier in the year have reported sightings too.
Check out easyJet ‘s Black Friday flight deals here. The £15.99 price applies to departures on selected dates in January from London Gatwick, or you can jet off from Bristol for just £18.99 one way.
The six routes to the islands, which have been growing in popularity as winter sun destinations, will be cancelled from March 2026 with the budget airline citing issues such as rising air traffic control costs
Ryanair’s flights to the island will cease by the end of March 2026(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Ryanair has announced it’ll cut all of its routes to the Azores islands as of March 29, 2026, due to rising costs and travel taxes, the airline claims.
The budget airline once offered six routes to and from the island, including seasonal flights from London Stansted and Bristol Airport, which operated from April to October. It also offered connections from Portugal’s mainland, including Lisbon and Porto.
Ryanair’s CCO Jason McGuinness said: “We are disappointed that the French airport monopoly ANA continues to raise Portuguese airport fees to line its pockets, at the expense of Portuguese tourism and jobs – particularly on the Portuguese islands. As a direct result of these rising costs, we have been left with no alternative other than to cancel all Azores flights from 29 March 2026 onwards and relocate this capacity to lower cost airports elsewhere in the extensive Ryanair Group network across Europe.”
He added: “This loss of low fare connectivity to the Azores is direct result of the French monopoly airport operator – VINCI – imposing excessive airport charges across Portugal (which have risen by up to 35% since Covid) and the anti-competitive enviro taxes imposed by the EU, which exempt more polluting long haul flights to the US and Middle East, at the expense of EU remote regions such as the Azores.
“After 10 years of year-round Ryanair operations, one of Europe’s most remote regions will now lose direct low-fare flights to London, Brussels, Lisbon, and Porto due to ANA’s high airport fees and Portuguese Govt. inaction.”
The airline also urged the Portuguese government to take action, with statement saying: “The Portuguese Govt. must intervene and ensure that its airports which are a critical part of national infrastructure – especially in an island economy like the Azores – are used to benefit the Portuguese people, rather than benefitting a French airport monopoly.”
Ryanair’s axing of these flights now leaves Brits with only one direct route to the Azores; British Airways offer seasonal flights from London Heathrow to Ponta Delgada Airport. However, direct flights only run during the peak summer season, although you can book flights with a connection in Portugal’s mainland for the rest of the year.
The Azores are not the first destination to see its Ryanair services axed due to costs. Ryanair abandoned a number of regional airports in 2025 including Strasbourg, Bergerac, and Vatry, and has threatened to leave several French airports due to rising taxes. Jason McGuinness told a French magazine that a 180% tax increase made regional airports ‘unviable’ for the airline.
The French government’s 2025 budget included a tax hike for air travel, meaning domestic and European flights leaving France were hit with an extra cost of €4.77 (approx. £4.21) per ticket.
But there are loads of other week-long stays that are under £200 this winter as well.
If you fancy the Algarve, you can spend seven nights Muthu Clube Praia Da Oura (with Liverpool flights) for £149; at Natura Algarve Club for £159 each (with flights from London Stansted) or in Balai Golf Village for £189pp (from London Luton).
Currently sitting at 19C this week, it remains around this temperature even in December.
Or if you want to fly from Newcastle, spend seven nights at Pebbles Resort in Malta for £149 each, or from Birmingham, seven nights in the Solana Hotel and Spa for £169 each.
Portugal recovered from a shock loss to Ireland on Thursday to qualify, while Norway is through for the first time since 1998.
Portugal booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a 9-1 victory over Armenia on Sunday, while an Erling Haaland brace rubber-stamped Norway’s place in the global showpiece as they romped to a 4-1 win in Italy.
After being held by Hungary and then stunned by the Republic of Ireland last time out, Portugal sealed top spot in Group F at the third time of asking with a resounding win over bottom-side Armenia.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
In the absence of the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo, star midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves both scored hat-tricks as the Portuguese ran riot in Porto.
Renato Veiga, Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Conceicao were also on the scoresheet.
“The most important thing was qualifying for the World Cup,” Paris Saint-Germain linchpin Neves told RTP.
“For me, as I always say, the team always comes before the individual. I’m very happy to have scored my first goal for the national team, and my second and third as well.”
Portugal will compete in a seventh consecutive edition of the World Cup, a tournament which the Euro 2016 champions have yet to win.
“We’re at the World Cup! Let’s go, Portugal!” Ronaldo posted on social media.
The striker could miss the start of the tournament depending on whether FIFA extend his suspension beyond the mandatory one-match ban he served against Armenia.
Ireland sewed up the playoff place in the group thanks to Troy Parrott’s 96th-minute hat-trick goal, handing them a 3-2 win over third-placed Hungary.
Daniel Lukacs gave the hosts the lead in Hungary after four minutes, before Parrott levelled from 12 yards shortly afterwards.
Barnabas Varga’s 37th-minute goal looked to have been enough for Hungary to seal second spot until 23-year-old Parrott notched his fourth and fifth international goals this week.
Parrott was the hero with his brace in Thursday’s 2-0 defeat of Portugal, and he struck to equalise again for Ireland with 10 minutes remaining in the Hungarian capital.
The AZ Alkmaar forward then sparked wild Irish celebrations as he prodded home Liam Scales’s knockdown deep into injury time to send Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side into March’s playoffs.
Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes scores a hat-trick against Armenia from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute [Luis Vieira/AP Photo]
‘Absolutely insane’
Italy needed a miracle in Milan to pip Norway to first place in Group I due to the visitors’ gargantuan goal difference advantage.
Pio Esposito scored early at the San Siro to give the home side the faintest of hopes, but they were unable to again break down stubborn Norwegian defending as Stale Solbakken’s side held firm.
Antonio Nusa levelled just after the hour before Haaland, inevitably, netted twice in 60 seconds to turn the tie on its head. Jorgen Strand Larsen then put gloss on the result in injury time as Norway romped to an eighth win from eight outings.
It will be Norway’s first appearance at the World Cup in 28 years.
“I’m happy, but more relieved. There’s a lot of pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it’s fun,” Haaland, who netted 16 goals across the campaign, told TV 2.
“It’s indescribable. Absolutely insane. The way we did it is absolutely incredible. It’s huge,” Martin Odegaard said.
Israel beat Moldova 4-1 but finished six points adrift of second-placed Italy, who go into the playoffs.
France booked their place in next year’s tournament in North America with a win over Ukraine earlier in the week, and a much-changed side concluded their campaign with a 3-1 win in Azerbaijan.
Ukraine saw off Iceland 2-0 thanks to two strikes inside the final 10 minutes from Oleksandr Zubkov and Oleksii Hutsuliak to claim second place in Group D.
Thomas Tuchel’s England completed a perfect group-stage performance as they won 2-0 against Albania to finish their campaign with a 100 percent record, featuring 22 goals scored and zero conceded – a European record for a team playing at least six qualifying matches.
“I think it’s as good [a squad] as we’ve ever had,” Harry Kane, who scored both England goals, told ITV.
“I think when you look at the starting 11, you look at the players coming off the bench, we’re going to go into the tournament as one of the favourites.”
With Albania already assured of second place, Serbia beat Latvia 2-1 in a dead-rubber in Group K’s other match.
Norway’s captain Erling Haaland and teammate Julian Ryerson celebrate their victory at the end of the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification match between Italy and Norway, at the San Siro Stadium, in Milan, on November 16, 2025 [Alberto Pizzoli/AFP]
Ronaldo at risk of being banned for first game of 2026 World Cup if Portugal qualify after red card against Ireland.
Published On 14 Nov 202514 Nov 2025
Share
Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has said Cristiano Ronaldo was wrong to blame him for the red card he received as Portugal fell to a World Cup qualifying defeat.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner exchanged words with Hallgrimsson after being sent off during Portugal’s 2-0 defeat in Dublin on Thursday.
Recommended Stories
list of 3 itemsend of list
Ronaldo said before the game the Ireland coach had tried to put pressure on the referee by telling the officials not to be influenced by the superstar striker.
With his team trailing by two goals in the second half, the 40-year-old was frustrated and elbowed Dara O’Shea in the back as the Ireland player marked him in the box.
“He complimented me with putting pressure on the referee, but listen, it had nothing to do with me, it was his action on the pitch that cost him a red card,” Hallgrimsson told reporters.
“It had nothing to do with me unless I got into his head.”
He added, “This was just a moment of a little silliness for him, I would say.”
It was Ronaldo’s first sending off in 226 appearances for the national side.
At the very least, Ronaldo will serve a mandatory one-game ban, but FIFA disciplinary rules require its judges to impose a ban of “at least two matches for serious foul play”.
O’Shea falls after being elbowed by Ronaldo, November 13, 2025 [Charles McQuillan/Getty Images]
Despite the blatant elbow, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said the red card was harsh.
“I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team,” Martinez told reporters. “He was almost 60 minutes in the box being grabbed, pulled, pushed and obviously he tries to get away from the defender.
“I think the action looks worse than what it actually is. I don’t think it’s an elbow; I think it’s a full body, but from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. But we accept it.”
Martinez also questioned Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson’s comments about Ronaldo “controlling the referee” in the reverse fixture in Lisbon last month, which Portugal won 1-0.
“The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is at the press conference yesterday, Ireland coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced, and then a big centre half falls on the floor so dramatically at the turn of Cristiano’s body,” Martinez said.
Portugal, who are assured at least a playoff spot, are two points clear of Hungary at the top of Group F with a superior goal difference. The Irish are one point further back.
Portugal host Armenia while Ireland travel to face Hungary in the final round of fixtures on Sunday.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez held a different opinion of the incident, and having defended his captain, took a swipe at Hallgrimsson for speaking about the referee in the build-up.
“The red card is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games – I think that just deserves credit – and today, I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team,” said Martinez.
“He was 60 minutes or 58 minutes in the box being grabbed, being pulled, being pushed and obviously when he tries to get away from the defender.
“I think the action looks worse than what it actually is, I don’t think it’s an elbow, I think it’s a full body, but from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. But we accept it.
“The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is at the press conference yesterday, your coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced, and then a big centre-half falls on the floor so dramatically at the turn of Cristiano’s body.”
Troy Parrott scores twice in first half to keep Ireland’s hopes of reaching next tournament alive with a famous victory.
Ireland have stunned Portugal 2-0 to keep their narrow path to next year’s World Cup open and make the Nations League winners wait to book an automatic spot on a night where their captain Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off.
Ireland, who have not qualified for a major tournament in a decade and last reached a World Cup in 2002, needed at least a draw on Thursday to keep their qualification hopes alive and a first half Troy Parrott double capped their best performance in years.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
They still need a win in Budapest on Sunday to claim a spot in next March’s playoffs after second-placed Hungary won 1-0 in Armenia. A draw at home to bottom-placed Armenia is likely the most Portugal need to secure automatic qualification.
But they will have to do it without Ronaldo, whose initial yellow card for lashing out with an elbow to the back of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea was upgraded after review to his first ever red card for Portugal in his 226th appearance.
Portugal, who were moments away from securing their seventh successive World Cup appearance a month ago before a stoppage-time Hungarian equaliser in Lisbon, fell behind on 17 minutes after Liam Scales headed a fizzed-in corner back across goal and Parrott could not miss.
Well worth the lead, Ireland went inches from doubling it when Chiedozie Ogbene struck the post with a fine effort before in-form AZ Alkmaar striker Parrott found the bottom corner with a brilliant finish from similar distance just before the break.
Ireland, who defended gallantly in the reverse fixture before going down to a late goal, did not require a repeat once Ronaldo received his marching orders on the hour, sarcastically clapping the delighted home fans as he departed.
Portugal, who are assured at least a playoff spot, are two points clear of Hungary at the top of Group F with a superior goal difference. The Irish are one point further back.
Parrott told RTE that it was “probably the best night” of his life.
“It is such a relief and overwhelming feeling to see the hard work paying off,” he said.
“We all knew how important this game was for us, especially given the other result tonight [Hungary beat Armenia]. I am just overwhelmed, I don’t know what words to give now. I am over the moon.”
Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson praised the backing of the fans and suggested they may have gotten to Ronaldo.
“I can only praise the supporters. We have amazing fans as always. They have a lot of say in this win, they give us energy and help us at crucial times. They deserve this win,” he said.
“[Ronaldo[ lost his focus a little bit. Maybe it was the fans as well that helped a little bit. He was frustrated and reacted in a way that he knows he shouldn’t.”
Ronaldo endures a frustrating evening against an excellent Ireland side [Paul Faith/AFP]
Elsewhere on Thursday, Two goals from star striker Kylian Mbappe helped send two-time champions France to the 2026 World Cup with a 4-0 home win against Ukraine.
Midfielder Michael Olise and substitute forward Hugo Ekitike added the other goals in a dominant second half from France, the World Cup runner-up in 2022.
Late goals from Gianluca Mancini and Francesco Pio Esposito helped Italy to a 2-0 win away against Moldova on Thursday, keeping alive their faint hopes of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup with their fifth consecutive victory.
The result lifted Italy to 18 points, three behind group leaders Norway, who earlier beat Estonia 4-1, with the two sides meeting on the final qualifying matchday on Sunday. The Azzurri now face what looks an impossible task, needing to win and overturn Norway’s goal difference of 17.
England eased to a mundane 2-0 victory over Serbia with goals from Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze to make it seven wins from seven games in their World Cup qualifying campaign at a rain-soaked Wembley Stadium on Thursday.
Serbia put up more resistance than in the 5-0 home drubbing by England in September and Dusan Vlahovic twice went close to equalising but the defeat means his side can no longer finish in the top two and earn a playoff shot.
Albania will finish as runners-up and are guaranteed a playoff place after they beat Andorra 1-0 away.
Unbeaten Portugal (3-1-0) will seal direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 if they beat Ireland in their penultimate Group F fixture at the Aviva Stadium.
Armed with a five-point lead, Roberto Martinez’s team are in the box seat to seal a seventh consecutive appearance at football’s global showpiece.
Ireland (1-1-2), for their part, still have a mathematical chance to keep their World Cup aspirations alive by causing a huge upset on Thursday night against an opponent that is fifth in the FIFA world rankings.
They are currently third in the group – but only a point behind second-placed Hungary with two matches still to play. Ireland last qualified for the World Cup in 2006.
Here is all to know about their Group F return clash:
Current Group F standings (two fixtures remaining):
Portugal – 10 points (from four matches)
Hungary – 5 points (from four matches)
Ireland – 4 points (from four matches)
Armenia – 3 points (from four matches)
How can Portugal and Ireland still qualify for World Cup in Group F?
Scenario 1:
Group leaders Portugal require a win against Ireland to ensure direct World Cup qualification into next year’s tournament, which is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In this scenario, Portugal would have 13 points – an insurmountable lead over the other three teams in the group with just one match remaining.
Scenario 2:
If Portugal were to draw its final two fixtures against Ireland and Armenia, they would also finish top of the Group F standings with 12 points from six matches.
Scenario 3:
If Portugal lose its final two matches against Ireland and Armenia, and Hungary – which currently has five points – wins its final two fixtures against Armenia and Ireland, then Hungary would move top of Group F with 11 points vs Portugal’s 10 points.
If Ireland win their final two games, and Portugal lose their final two games, then the teams would be level on 10 points at the top of the standings with the group winner being decided by goal difference.
All 12 group winners in Europe qualify directly for the World Cup while the runners-up go on to the playoffs for the remaining finals places taking place in March.
Hungary midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai’s equalising late goal against Portugal in Lisbon on October 14, 2025, has kept the Group F race for direct World Cup qualification alive for his side and Ireland [Armando Franca/AP]
What happened in Portugal’s last match against Hungary?
Portugal were on the brink of punching their ticket to the World Cup as they led Hungary 2-1 in stoppage time in Lisbon, knowing a win would confirm first place in Group F.
However, Hungary snatched a late draw when Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai finished from close range in injury time.
What happened the last time Portugal played Ireland?
The teams last played on October 11 in Lisbon.
Portugal’s Ruben Neves scored a stoppage-time goal to snatch a dramatic 1-0 home win in Group F after his teammate Ronaldo had a penalty saved earlier in the match as Ireland threatened to hold the unbeaten hosts to a draw.
Is the 2026 World Cup Ronaldo’s last major international tournament?
Yes. With Portugal on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup, Ronaldo confirmed the tournament in North America will be his swansong on football’s biggest stage.
“Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old [at the World Cup],” said Ronaldo, who is also the top scorer in history with 143 international goals.
“I gave everything for football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything. I have many records in the different scenarios in the clubs and also in the national teams.
“I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”
Ronaldo’s Portugal can qualify for their seventh World Cup in a row with a victory over Ireland on November 13, 2025 [File: Pedro Nunes/Reuters]
Head-to-head
This is only the 18th meeting between the European sides with Portugal winning 10 and Ireland winning four.
Ireland’s last win came in a friendly in 2005, courtesy of Andy O’Brien’s solitary strike in Dublin. There have been four subsequent matches, of which Portugal have won three.
Ireland’s last competitive win against Portugal came in a European Championships qualifier in 1995.
The fixture dates back to 1946 and began with a 3-1 home win for Portugal in a friendly.
Portugal’s form
W-W-W-W-D (most recent result last)
Ireland’s form
D-D-L-L-W (most recent result last)
Portugal team news
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has withdrawn from Martinez’s squad after he suffered a groin injury in his side’s 3-0 Premier League victory over Wolves on Saturday. Rafael Leao is the most likely replacement for Neto.
Sporting Lisbon midfielder Pedro Goncalves is also out for a month after an undisclosed injury playing against Santa Clara on the weekend.
“[I’m] out of these next two games and not being able to be present in the World Cup qualifiers. Something I always dreamed of was representing the National Team, and not being able to go hurts. Now it’s time to recover properly, even though I’m not doing what I love the most! Thank you to the team for the effort until the end! We still have a lot to achieve,” Goncalves wrote on social media.
Ronaldo, who has yet to score away to Ireland in four career meetings, will lead the line for Portugal.
Ireland team news
In a big blow to Ireland’s chances, star striker Evan Ferguson is out of the Portugal fixture with an ankle issue and is in doubt for their final World Cup match against Hungary, which may decide who finishes second in Group F.
Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson will also be without three other injured regulars in the squad: Callum O’Dowda (minor knock), Mark Sykes (shin) and Sammie Szmodics (knee).
Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby are serving one match suspensions.
Injured forward Evan Ferguson, who has scored three of Ireland’s four goals in World Cup qualifying, will be sorely missed as an attacking option against Portugal [File: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images]
“If Armenia wins or there is a draw, a win in Hungary is enough for us, so that is two of four scenarios for us,” the Ireland manager said.
“If Hungary win, we need at least a draw, but if they win by two or three goals, we will need a draw [against Portugal] and win by maybe three goals away in Hungary.
“We will know what we need in this game against Portugal before we kick off, which is a benefit to us, but it doesn’t change how we start and play the game, but may need to take calculated risks as the game progresses.”
Martinez:
“November is always a difficult stage. Even so, our focus is on qualifying for the World Cup. … We have to improve, especially in the final 20 minutes of games,” Portugal’s manager said.
A British YouTuber was left stunned by the price of a small beer on his flight to Portugal after he had been delighted to get his ticket for just £17.99
Liam McInerney Content Editor
08:26, 10 Nov 2025
Just Deano said his drink on the flight was a ‘shame’(Image: Just Deano/Youtube)
The content creator, known to his fans as Just Deano, jetted off abroad to spend a week filming in Albufeira, a seaside resort that’s a hit with Brits due to its affordable prices and sunny climate.
Kicking off his vlog, he quipped: “Terminal one I hear you say? Ryanair is in terminal three Deano. You’re a cheap skate! Well, this flight cost me £17.99… £17.99! And it is in terminal one because we are flying with easyJet.”
After breezing through security, Deano, whose flight was scheduled for the evening, decided to indulge in a pre-holiday tipple at Bar MCR.
However, despite planning to enjoy a pint of Guinness, he was appalled to see the iconic dark beverage being served in generic non-branded glasses.
With that in mind, he opted for a pint of Mahou lager instead, and raising his eyebrows, he remarked: “Airport prices of course – £7.40 a pint…”
Deano had loaded episodes of the Netflix series House of Guinness onto his phone for the flight, and was pleasantly surprised when everything ran like clockwork, a welcome change after recent travel nightmares.
Settling into his seat on the easyJet flight, he commented that the smoothness of his journey was “unusual for all the right reasons” and he even had an entire aisle to himself.
However, deciding to spoil himself with another beer, he later mused: “So, with everything going so well, I thought let’s treat myself to a couple of beers…
“The only reason I got two and not one is because it is €7 (approx £6) for one can of Birra Moretti and it is €10.95 (approx £9.50) for two.”
After sampling his pricey drink from a plastic cup, he remarked: “Lukewarm. What a shame. The only thing going wrong today is the lukewarm beer. So far.”
Upon his delayed arrival at Faro Airport, he then shelled out €21 (approx £18) for an Uber to his accommodation, before turning in for the evening.
Following the upload of his video, which you can view in its entirety here, numerous viewers from his 33,300-strong following were swift to weigh in on the costs.
One viewer commented: “Deano spent more on beer than the air travel.”
Another remarked: “Great video mate but I would not be paying 11euros for two small warm cans of lager.”
A third chimed in with: “Ridiculous the prices of beer on the plane I say I’m not going to every time but always do. Belter episode DEANO.”
One individual referenced the earlier Guinness glass controversy, stating: “Guinness in a non-Guinness glass should actually be illegal and I am not joking!”.
Finally, another supporter observed: “Weird your taxi is more than your flight. Yet the plane costs far more in fuel to fly there.”
In response to claims made in this story, a spokesperson for easyJet said: “A flight to Portugal and two beers for under £30 doesn’t sound like something to complain about.”
The 16th-century monks of Évora knew life was short. As if to ram home the point, they decorated an entire chapel with bones dug up from the town’s overflowing cemeteries. The sign outside the Chapel of Bones roughly translates as “We bones in here wait for yours to join us”. Cheerful lot, those monks. Columns, walls, arches – all are covered in skulls, tibias, fibulas, clavicles. Rapt, I can’t stop staring, then start to chuckle when I see skulls curving round frilly frescoes of cherubim on vaulted ceilings, a whimsical touch of chintz among the ghoulishness.
Évora has me in its grip even before I come to the Chapel of Bones. This former royal city of Portuguese kings and capital of the Alentejo region has so many architectural and cultural treasures wedged within its historical centre that it’s often referred to as a living museum. But in a museum, you generally have to keep your voice down: here in Évora, there’s the buzz you get with 11,000 university students roaming round a Unesco world heritage site old town that’s encased within medieval walls.
I feel a pang of envy when I visit the 16th-century College of the Holy Spirit within the University of Évora, which is open to the public willing to pay €3 and take pot luck as to which of the ridiculously beautiful classrooms are free at that moment. My guide, Andre Birken, came to Évora from Germany as an Erasmus student years ago and decided to stay. Chilly northern Germany or laid-back southern Portugal, where even in late October it’s still 23C? Bit of a no-brainer, he tells me. He shows me classrooms decorated in the azulejo tiles for which Portugal is renowned, and where, if the lecture gets dull, you can lose yourself in bucolic blue-and-white scenes.
The ancient Romans, rather than the Greeks, left their mark on Évora in a more monumental style, including an enormous aqueduct that’s one of the first things visitors see as they approach the city. Rising in the centre of the old town are the 14 graceful Corinthian columns of the Roman temple built for emperor Augustus around the 1st century AD (and not, as is commonly assumed, dedicated to the goddess Diana). Surrounding it are buildings that typify most of the architecture here – low-slung, whitewashed, trimmed in ochre and usually sporting wrought-iron balconies. One of them is my hotel, a 15th-century former convent turned into the Pousada del Convento Évora. Every cobbled lane in the old town has this same style of architecture, and I find its uniformity immensely pleasing and harmonious – the white reflecting the sun, the mustardy ochre reminding me of the landscapes of the Alentejo around me, whose brownness is dotted with olive groves and cork forests.
The Chapel of Bones. Photograph: Sirbouman/Alamy
And vineyards, of course, all of them blazing with autumnal colours. Alentejo is one of Portugal’s major wine regions, and its subregion of Baixo Alentejo will be 2026’s European Wine City. About 10 minutes’ drive from Évora is Fitapreta Winery, the brainchild of the innovative Portuguese winemaker António Maçanita and the British viticulturist David Booth. In 2015, Maçanita bought an old fortified manor house that had been in the same family since the 14th century, resurrecting ancient grape varieties, planting new vineyards and sticking to organic production. It’s an idyllic spot for a leisurely wine-tasting, followed by an even more leisurely lunch.
Within the modern winery (its facade clad in cork in a nod to Portugal’s millions of cork forests), André Alves leads me through a tasting of five of the winery’s 22 varieties – all indigenous. A deliciously bone-dry rosé (amusingly named Freshly Squeezed), a fresh-tasting orange-type wine that technically wasn’t an orange wine (A Laranja Mecânica) and the very elegant red Enxarrama all made me wish I had room to stash these in my luggage.
Heavenly … Azulejo tiles in the University of Évora. Photograph: Geogphotos/Alamy
This is only the preamble. Sommelier Francisco Cunha of the winery’s A Cozinha do Paço restaurant then guides me into the part of the manor house that was originally the chapel, and whose galleried upper floor is one of the many atmospheric spots where they serve a seven-course lunch that deserves some serious Michelin attention. Braised fennel and a gorgeous sheep’s milk cheese sauce with turbot, and the famed black pig of the Alentejo paired with a cauliflower cream quenelle were exquisite.
In fact, excellent food is a given in Alentejo. At Enoteca Cartuxa near the Roman temple, they serve their own wines to go with plates of thin buttery slices of cured black pig and chorizo; not to mention the sublime Monte da Vinha sheep’s milk cheese that’s as gooey and as good as an Époisses. The venerable Restaurante Fialho comes out with classic Alentejo dishes done expertly: pigs’ cheeks braised in red wine melt in the mouth, and pork and clams unite in a piquant red peppery stew.
Évora’s food and wine alone make it a worthy holder of the 2027 European Capital of Culture title, even without its architectural marvels. Then again, Évora Cathedral is magnificent, with a typical mishmash of architectural styles, from romanesque and gothic to Renaissance and baroque. From here, it’s almost a rite of passage to walk down the narrow pedestrianised Rua Cinco de Outubro and its souvenir and craft shops wedged into white and yellow houses. Yes, it’s touristy, but delightful nonetheless, with cork handbags and ceramics actually made in Portugal.
Évora’s Roman temple, which dates from the 1st century AD. Photograph: Bert de Ruiter/Alamy
This takes me to Évora’s historical heart, Praça do Giraldo, an expansive square filled with cafe terraces, arcaded shops, more of those lovely wrought-iron balconies and a huge 16th-century marble fountain that instantly grabs your attention. This is the spot for lazy and mild autumn mornings with a coffee and a pastel de nata custard tart or a cheesy tart called queijada de Évora, before heading off in search of more of the town’s oddities.
One in particular catches my eye: the row of very cute houses built under the 16th-century aqueduct Água de Prata, in the north-western part of the old town. I need more time here, yet I end up following the tourist trail out of Évora for a morning in the hilltop village of Monsaraz, right by the Spanish border. Here, in this all-white village, where craft boutiques and wine shops attract the tourists, it feels less real, more toytown. It’s all very pretty, and I even get a closer look at the beaches of Alqueva, western Europe’s largest artificial lake, just outside the village.
But I was missing Évora, which manages to hold on to its mellowness despite the growing number of tourists. I recall a chat with my guide, Andre, who mentioned the number of people who take day trips from Lisbon (only 90-odd minutes away) and tour groups who stop for a night or two. But they need four, five days, maybe a week, he says, to get the most out of it. I’m inclined to agree, as these too-short days fly by and I don’t get round to following the nature trails out of the town, or visiting all of the museums, or having another lazy coffee and eating a pastel de nata in the sunshine. Those monks were right: life really is too short.
The trip was provided by Kirker Holidays, which has three-night breaks at Pousada Convento Évora in November from £819pp, including breakfast, car hire and flights, although rail options are also available. Further information: visitalentejo.pt
