Portugal secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 9-1 thumping of Armenia on Sunday, delivering a ruthless response to their shock midweek defeat to Ireland.
Despite the absence of suspended talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, the Seleção cruised to the top of UEFA Group F, fuelled by hat-tricks from Bruno Fernandes and João Neves.
Early pressure, early goals
Portugal started on the front foot, taking the lead in the 7th minute. Armenia goalkeeper Henry Avagyan pushed a Bruno Fernandes free-kick onto the post, but Renato Veiga reacted quickest to head home the rebound.
Armenia briefly stunned the home crowd when Eduard Spertsyan levelled from close range in the 18th minute, utilizing defensive lapses.
Following a minute of applause for the late Diogo Jota, Portugal regained control.
Gonçalo Ramos punished a poor back pass to make it 2-1, and less than two minutes later, João Neves drove in a superb first-time strike from the edge of the box.
The Benfica midfielder doubled his tally with a stunning free-kick off the underside of the bar four minutes before half-time.
Moments later, Portugal won a penalty after Rúben Dias was dragged down in the box, and Fernandes converted from the spot to give the hosts a 5-1 lead at the break.
Fernandes completes his treble
The second half saw Portugal maintain their high push. Fernandes struck again in the 51st minute after determined play from Ramos, and he completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Carlos Forbs was fouled in the area.
Neves seals his hat-trick as Portugal run riot
Armenia, ranked 104th in the world, had no response as Neves executed an acrobatic finish nine minutes from time to complete his own treble.
Substitute Francisco Conceição added a late ninth to cap a commanding performance, sealing Portugal’s spot in the 2026 World Cup.
