The Portugal national football team delivered one of their most convincing performances of the qualifying campaign, overpowering Armenia 9–1 and officially securing direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The result marked a powerful response from the squad after their unexpected defeat to the Republic of Ireland earlier in the week.
Despite missing captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains suspended following a red card in the loss to Ireland, Portugal showed remarkable cohesion and attacking depth. Young midfielder João Neves and experienced playmaker Bruno Fernandes each scored a hat-trick, underlining both the team’s rising talent and the leadership in the absence of their iconic skipper.
Portugal started aggressively, opening the scoring early before Armenia briefly equalised. Once settled, Roberto Martínez’s men regained control and pressed relentlessly for the remainder of the match, turning the contest into a showcase of tactical precision and offensive dominance.
Following the final whistle, Martínez praised his players’ mentality, emphasising that the victory “proves Portugal can succeed with collective strength, not just individual brilliance.” His remarks subtly referenced the ongoing discussion about Portugal’s dependence on Ronaldo—especially after the star’s sending-off during the Ireland match, a moment that shocked both supporters and analysts.
With automatic qualification secured, the Portugal national football team can now shift their focus toward tournament preparation, squad optimisation, and resolving the uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s suspension, which could impact the opening stages of the World Cup.
For now, however, Portugal’s statement win has reaffirmed their status as one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking sides—powered by a blend of world-class veterans and a new wave of rising stars.