Portugal qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a huge 9-1 win over Armenia in Porto. Bruno Fernandes and João Neves both scored hat-tricks. Portugal needed this win after their 2-0 loss to Ireland on Thursday, a match where Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off.
This time, Roberto Martínez’s team dominated from start to finish. They secured top spot in Group F with 13 points. Ronaldo now has the chance to play in a record sixth World Cup.
Neves told RTP, “The most important thing was qualifying for the World Cup. For me, as I always say, the team always comes before the individual.”
He added, “I’m very happy to have scored my first goal for the national team, and my second and third as well. I’m happy to be able to share the pitch with great players and a great team.”
Portugal's Goal Rush
Portugal opened the scoring in the seventh minute through defender Renato Veiga, who headed the ball in from close range. Armenia equalised 11 minutes later when Eduard Spertsyan finished a cross from Grant-Leon Ranos. It was only Armenia’s third goal of the entire campaign.
Portugal responded quickly. Gonçalo Ramos restored the lead before Neves scored twice, including a stunning free-kick into the top corner. Fernandes then scored a penalty in first-half stoppage time, giving Portugal a 5-1 lead at the break.
The second half followed the same script. Fernandes scored again after Ramos set him up. Portugal kept the pressure high even after making several substitutions. Fernandes completed his hat-trick from another penalty.
Neves then scored his third of the night with a calm finish after Portugal hit the post. On the opposite end, goalkeeper Diogo Costa and the defence easily handled Armenia’s rare attacks.
Francisco Conceição closed the match with a long-range shot in added time, completing the 9-1 rout.
Norway Earn Playoff Spot
Norway finished their qualifying campaign with eight straight wins. They topped the group with a perfect record and ended six points ahead of Italy, who now face the playoffs for the third time in a row.