Portugal Secures World Cup Qualification with Dominant Victory Over Armenia
Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves each scored hat-tricks as Portugal emphatically secured their place in the 2026 World Cup by defeating Armenia.
Following a surprising loss to the Republic of Ireland in their previous match—where captain Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off—Portugal needed a decisive victory on Sunday to ensure qualification.
The team made a perfect start when Renato Veiga headed in an early goal from a free-kick delivered by Manchester United midfielder Fernandes.
Armenia equalized in the 18th minute with a close-range finish from Eduard Spertsyan, but Portugal quickly regained control of the match.
Goncalo Ramos restored Portugal's lead just 10 minutes later, followed by Neves, who scored twice, including a goal from a free-kick.
Portugal added a fifth goal just before halftime when Ruben Dias was fouled in the box, allowing Fernandes to convert the penalty.
The scoring continued in the second half, with Fernandes netting another low strike and converting a second penalty after Carlos Forbs was fouled.
Neves completed his hat-trick, scoring Portugal's eighth goal by steering the ball home from the center of the box, before Francisco Conceicao capped off the rout with a goal in the final moments of the match.
With their automatic qualification now secured, Ronaldo's red card against the Republic of Ireland will prevent him from participating in Portugal's first two matches of next year's World Cup.
