Portugal secured their place at the 2026 World Cup in emphatic fashion, thrashing Armenia 9-1 in their final qualifier on Sunday, a match highlighted by hat-tricks from both Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves.
The victory was a necessary response after a surprise loss to the Republic of Ireland in their previous match. Portugal entered Sunday’s game needing a win to guarantee automatic qualification.
Despite sealing their spot at the tournament, Portugal will be without their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, for their first two games at the World Cup. Ronaldo was sent off in the defeat to Ireland, and the resulting suspension will carry over to the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Portugal made an ideal start when Renato Veiga headed in an early free-kick from Fernandes. Armenia’s Eduard Spertsyan stunned the home side with a close-range equaliser in the 18th minute, but it was the only blemish on Portugal’s dominant performance.
Goncalo Ramos slotted home 10 minutes later to restore the lead, before Benfica’s Joao Neves took over. Neves swept in his first goal and quickly added a second from a free-kick. On the stroke of half-time, Manchester United’s Fernandes converted a penalty after Ruben Dias was fouled, sending Portugal into the break with a 5-1 lead.
The second half saw Portugal continue their ruthless display. Fernandes fired home a low strike for his second goal and completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Wolves winger Carlos Forbs was fouled.
Neves secured his own hat-trick, steering the ball home from the middle of the box to make it 8-1. Francisco Conceicao capped the performance by drilling in a ninth goal with seconds remaining.
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