2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Ruthless Portugal Hit Nine Past Armenia to Seal Qualification
Portugal have secured qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a breathtaking 9–1 demolition of Armenia on Sunday, delivering one of their most dominant performances in recent qualifying history.
Despite the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who served a suspension following his red card against Ireland three days earlier, Roberto Martínez’s men showed no signs of slowing down, playing with flair, precision, and an unrelenting hunger for goals.
Paris Saint Germain’s João Neves and Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes were the stars of the night, each registering hat-tricks as Portugal overwhelmed an Armenia side that simply could not cope with the hosts’ relentless attacking waves.
Villarreal defender, Renato Veiga opened the floodgates early, while Fernandes orchestrated the midfield with trademark elegance before adding three goals of his own.
PSG forward Gonçalo Ramos and Francisco Conceicao capped off the scintillating display by adding their names to the score sheet as well.
Armenia managed a consolation goal but were otherwise overwhelmed from start to finish, with Portugal controlling possession, tempo, and territory throughout the encounter.
The 9–1 victory not only sealed Portugal’s World Cup ticket but reinforced their status as one of the most dangerous attacking forces heading into the global showpiece. With or without Ronaldo, the Seleção proved they possess extraordinary depth, balance, and firepower—qualities that will make them genuine contenders in 2026.
For Martínez, it was an afternoon that showcased the future of Portuguese football every bit as much as its present, with Neves, Veiga, and Ramos stepping confidently into the spotlight.
Portugal march on to North America with conviction and the message they sent tonight is impossible to ignore.