Portugal secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a dominant 9-1 victory over Armenia on Sunday, following spectacular hat-tricks from both Bruno Fernandes and João Neves.
Playing in front of 46,702 fans at the Estádio Do Dragão, Portugal started well with a goal from Renato Veiga (7′), but Eduard Spertsyan (18′) briefly leveled the scores for Armenia.
Portugal quickly regained control as Gonçalo Ramos (28′) scored, before João Neves (30′, 41′) netted twice. Bruno Fernandes (45’+3 pen) added a penalty to make it 5-1 at the half.
The second half saw Fernandes (51′, 72′ pen) complete his hat-trick with a low strike and another penalty. Neves (81′) secured his own triple, and Francisco Conceição (90’+2) wrapped up the 9-1 rout.
The win guarantees qualification for Portugal.
However, captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who was sent off in the previous match against Ireland, faces the risk of missing the first two World Cup games next year pending a FIFA suspension ruling.
