Portugal crush Armenia 9–1 to secure 2026 World Cup qualification
After a surprising defeat to Ireland in the last match, Portugal entered the game under pressure, needing a win to book their World Cup spot.
KATHMANDU: Portugal produced a stunning response to their previous setback, thrashing Armenia 9–1 to seal their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bruno Fernandes and João Neves were the stars of the night, both completing brilliant hat-tricks.
After a surprising defeat to Ireland in the last match, Portugal entered the game under pressure, needing a win to book their World Cup spot.
Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was unavailable due to the red card he received in the Ireland match, ruling him out of today’s game and the first two matches of the World Cup.
Portugal started aggressively, with Renato Veiga opening the scoring through a header from a free-kick.
Armenia equalized in the 18th minute, but the match shifted entirely in Portugal’s favor afterward.
Goals from Gonçalo Ramos, Neves, and Fernandes put Portugal 5–1 ahead by halftime.
In the second half, Fernandes added another goal and completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot, while Neves also secured his third.
Francisco Conceição struck in the final moments to cap the dominant 9–1 victory.
With this emphatic win, Portugal not only confirmed their World Cup ticket but also showcased their attacking depth—though they will begin the tournament without Ronaldo, who remains suspended for the first two matches.
