Unlike Lionel Messi, who remains mysterious about his participation in the upcoming event, Ronaldo has already confirmed that he plans to play at the 2026 World Cup — and that it will “definitely” be the last one in his illustrious career.

“I will be 41 years old and I think will be the moment in the big competition,” Ronaldo told Becky Anderson of CNN during an interview at the Tourise Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“I’m enjoying the moment, but when I mean soon, it’s really soon because I gave everything for soccer,” Ronaldo added on his retirement from the sport. “I’m in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything. I have many records in the different scenarios in the clubs and also in the national teams. I’m really proud, so let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”

How many World Cups has Cristiano Ronaldo already played in?

Ronaldo has already played in five different World Cups, and with Portugal qualified for the 2026 event, he’s set to make a historic sixth appearance — a record Ronaldo could share with Messi should the Argentine star ultimately decides to participate as well.

What’s Ronaldo’s best result at a World Cup with Portugal?

For CR7, there seems to be no doubt to captain Portugal in their quest for an elusive World Cup title. The closest Ronaldo came to the ultimate glory came in 2006, when his country lost to eventual runners-up France in the semifinals. Portugal finished fourth after losing to hosts Germany in the third-place match.

How old will Cristiano Ronaldo be at 2026 World Cup?

Ronaldo will be 41 at the next World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19 with an expanded field of 48 teams. Portugal will find out their group stage rivals during the December 5 draw, to be held in Washington, DC.

What are Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup stats?

Cristiano Ronaldo boasts eight goals and two assists in 22 World Cup games (20 starts), seeing the yellow card four times. He’s scored in every World Cup he’s participated so far: at Qatar 2022, CR7 became the first male player to score in five different editions of the tournament.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo be eligible for Portugal in 2026 World Cup debut?

Ronaldo is at risk of missing Portugal’s 2026 World Cup debut after seeing a red card during his team’s loss to Ireland on Matchday 9 of the UEFA Qualifiers. Since he was sent off for violent conduct, CR7 could be exposed to a multiple-game suspension.

Initially, Ronaldo has already served the typical one-game ban that comes from a straight red card during Portugal’s win over Armenia. Now it’s up to FIFA’s disciplinary committee to determine whether his actions require a larger sanction. In the event Ronaldo is given more than one game of suspension, he would serve that ban at the start of the 2026 World Cup.

Nuno Mendes will not feature for Portugal vs Armenia due to a knee injury. The setback occurred following a clash between Bayern Munich and PSG, after which Mendes was evaluated by the medical team. Consequently, he was not selected by head coach Roberto Martinez for the concluding phase of the World Cup Qualifiers.

With a chance to qualify on the line today, the fan base is anticipating a stellar performance from the team. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from today’s matchup, Bruno Fernandes’ return to the squad is a significant boost, and the team will need to aggressively pursue a victory.

Armenia, having won just one matchup during the competition, have already been eliminated. Portugal, on the other hand, find themselves in urgent need of a victory in this pivotal game. Hungary and even Ireland stand as potential threats to Portugal’s World Cup spot if one team secures a win in their matchup today.

Portugal’s starting lineup

Head coach Roberto Martinez understands the stakes for both his tenure with Portugal and the team’s esteemed reputation. A loss could spell disaster, potentially concluding a project that has brought home the UEFA Nations League title and showcased a wealth of emerging talent for the future.

Therefore, despite several key absences, he is deploying all available resources in the roster to ensure a victory and secure a spot in the group stage of the World Cup next year in North America.

Here is Portugal‘s confirmed lineup for today’s crucial encounter:

• Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
• Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Nelson Semedo
• Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves
• Forwards: Bernardo Silva, Goncalo Ramos, Rafael Leao

Follow Armenia vs Portugal in our liveblog!

Even so, Portugal remain at the top of the group with 10 points, two ahead of Hungary (8) and three above Ireland (7). On paper, they have the advantage, especially as they host the last-placed side, Armenia, at Estadio do Dragao in Porto.

It is worth remembering that Portugal opened their qualifying campaign in dominant fashion, defeating Armenia 5-0 on the road. However, pressure can become a major factor in a decisive finale like this, particularly with so much on the line. Follow our liveblog of Portugal vs Armenia!

What happens if Portugal defeat Armenia?

Portugal will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup if they defeat Armenia. The scenario is straightforward: a victory ensures their spot regardless of what happens in the Hungary match, thanks to the current two-point cushion. A win would send Portugal back to the World Cup without complications.

What happens if Portugal and Armenia tie?

If Portugal and Armenia draw, Roberto Martinez’s squad would still qualify as long as Hungary do not defeat Ireland by three goals or more. A tie would certainly complicate the picture, but Portugal remain in control of their destiny and would still be in a strong position to secure direct qualification.

What happens if Portugal lose vs Armenia?

If Portugal lose to Armenia, they would still qualify directly if Hungary don’t beat Ireland. However, if Ireland win, goal differential would come into play. Therefore, a loss to Armenia could see Portugal drop to second place and forced them into the playoff round. They would not be eliminated, but their path would suddenly look much more difficult.

Such an outcome would be stunning considering the high expectations surrounding Portugal. They entered these qualifiers as one of the favorites, with a squad full of elite-level players and a Cristiano Ronaldo who continues his pursuit of one more historic World Cup moment.

From the opening whistle, Portugal dictated the tempo, with Bernardo Silva, Joao Neves, and Bruno Fernandes orchestrating attacks and creating constant pressure. Armenia struggled to contain the hosts, only managing a solitary goal from Eduard Spertsyan before Portugal’s relentless offense restored and extended the lead.

Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty, Joao Neves added a free-kick wonder, and Conceicao capped the scoring in the final moments. Portugal finish the qualifiers on a high, securing top spot in Group F and sending a clear message ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Portugal come off a tough defeat against Ireland, falling 2-0. They arrived at Aviva Stadium with a strong chance to lock in direct qualification, which a win would have guaranteed. However, they could not overcome Ireland, who delivered an excellent home performance and earned their first-ever win over Portugal in qualifiers.

For now, Portugal remain first in the group with only 10 points, followed by Hungary with 8. Hungary could pull off something remarkable: if they win, they would earn direct qualification, sending Portugal into the playoff path.

Portugal could also qualify without a victory if Hungary fail to defeat Ireland. If Hungary do not win, Portugal will secure the direct spot regardless of whether they draw or lose to Armenia. Armenia enter this matchup after a 1-0 loss to Hungary and remain last in the group. Follow our liveblog of Portugal vs Armenia for minute-by-minute updates!

Portugal lineup vs Armenia

Portugal face a complicated scenario. Yes, they enter as clear favorites, but pressure can take a toll—especially without their greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is unavailable due to the red card he received against Ireland.

Portugal’s lineup: Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Nelson Semedo; Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Bernardo Silva, Goncalo Ramos, Rafael Leao.

Armenia lineup vs Portugal

Armenia will rely on what they have, placing full confidence in set-piece opportunities and hoping their top striker, Grant Ranos, can find a key moment to trouble a Portugal side that might show nerves.

This is Armenia’s starting eleven: Arsen Avagyan, Styopa Piloyan, Muradian, Varazdat Mkrtchyan, Nair Tiknizyan, Edgar Hovhannisyan, Karen Muradyan, Eduard Spertsyan, Narek Aghasaryan, Grant Ranos, Serobyan.

[Watch Portugal vs Armenia online in the US on Fubo]

Portugal enters its Group F finale with a chance to lock up the top spot and punch a direct ticket to the next World Cup, a scenario that should’ve been settled earlier before a shocking 2-0 stumble against Ireland that included a costly red card for Cristiano Ronaldo.

With Ronaldo suspended, the spotlight shifts to a motivated Portuguese side looking to finish the job against an already-eliminated Armenia squad coming off a loss to Hungary and now competing solely for pride.

When will the Portugal vs Armenia match be played?

Portugal face Armenia this Sunday, November 16, for Matchday 6 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 9:00 AM (ET).

Portugal vs Armenia: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 AM
CT: 8:00 AM
MT: 7:00 AM
PT: 6:00 AM

How to watch Portugal vs Armenia in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Portugal and Armenia will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: FS2, DirecTV Stream and ViX.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be unavailable to play against Armenia on the final matchday because the captain was ejected for elbowing an opponent during the previous contest, a 2-0 loss to Ireland.

While there is no official statement from UEFA yet regarding the length of Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension, it is confirmed that he will not be present against Armenia. However, the disciplinary penalty imposed on the captain could be much more severe.

Under the FIFA Disciplinary Code (Chapter 2, Article 14(i)), a player who is sent off for “aggression, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting or hitting an opponent” must serve a minimum suspension of three matches.

If this full penalty is applied, Ronaldo could miss Portugal’s World Cup debut in 2026 (with the possibility of missing subsequent matches as well), should they qualify for the tournament.

What Portugal need for direct qualification

Portugal still control their own destiny for achieving direct qualification. A victory against Armenia is the ideal scenario, as it would solve all their problems and eliminate the need to monitor the result between Hungary and Ireland.

If Portugal draw against Armenia, then they must hope that Hungary fail to win against Ireland, or that if Hungary do win, the margin of victory is by less than four goals.

The worst-case scenario is if Armenia manage to surprise Portugal and secure the victory on the final matchday. In that situation, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates would be entirely reliant on Hungary failing to win against Ireland. If the results go against them, Hungary would earn direct qualification, forcing Portugal into the playoffs.

In the opening moments, Portugal dominated the field, demonstrating commanding possession and quickly finding the net. Pedro Neto delivered a precise cross from outside the area, which Cristiano Ronaldo expertly converted with a first-touch strike, outmaneuvering goalkeeper Henri Avagyan.

Since Roberto Martinez assumed the head coach spot, young players have cemented their places in the national team, bolstered by seasoned veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Cancelo, and Bruno Fernandes. This potent blend of youthful talent and seasoned experience currently positions Portugal as one of UEFA’s strongest teams. Moreover, they have embraced an offensive style of play that amplifies Ronaldo’s scoring prowess.

Early in the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net once again. The Al Nassr veteran capitalized on a rebound from Armenia‘s center back Georgiy Harutyunyan, swiftly taking possession and launching a spectacular strike from outside the box. The shot was unstoppable, leaving the Armenian goalkeeper with no hope and securing Portugal’s fourth goal of the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo keeps building his Portugal legacy, strengthening his legendary status

Twenty-two years since his debut, Cristiano Ronaldo has cemented his status as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 140 goals, thanks to his recent strike against Armenia. This achievement gives the veteran a remarkable 93-goal lead over second-place, the legend Pauleta. Bruno, the nearest active player, trails 114 goals behind the current Al Nassr star.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoring prowess has propelled Portugal to notable successes on the international stage. In 2016, he led the team to a historic UEFA Euro victory, and he has also been instrumental in securing two Nations League titles. These achievements have solidified his status as a transformative figure, helping his national team to claim its first major titles.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo look toward a record-breaking World Cup participation with Portugal?

Cristiano Ronaldo, still in peak form at 40, has extended his contract with Al Nassr until 2027. While the iconic forward has not confirmed participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, his ambition and indispensable role under head coach Roberto Martinez suggest a possible attendance. If he competes, the veteran star could set a historic mark as the most capped player in World Cup history, appearing in six tournaments.

Cristiano Ronaldo enters the match against Armenia in peak condition, having recently dodged injuries with Al Nassr. With his impressive form, head coach Roberto Martinez included him in Portugal’s starting lineup as he aims to secure a firm footing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, relying on the veteran’s consistent excellence demonstrated in recent fixtures.

Despite remaining a formidable goal-scorer, Cristiano fell short in the 2022 UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, ending six goals behind leader Harry Kane, who netted 12 times. As he potentially faces his final qualifiers, Ronaldo eyes a return to the top scorer spot. Under the guidance of new coach Roberto Martinez, he has shown a more liberated playing style, which motivates fans to see him clinch again the top scorer award.

Cristiano Ronaldo has cemented his legacy in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, standing as the all-time leading scorer with an impressive 41 goals. He holds an 18-goal lead over his closest competitor, Harry Kane. With upcoming matches still on his schedule, the Portuguese star has the potential to further extend his record-breaking lead in the annals of Qualifier history.

Portugal confirmed lineup vs Armenia

Throughout his tenure with the national team, head coach Roberto Martinez has consistently trusted a solid core of players. Nevertheless, he faces a reshuffle in the starting lineup as Rafael Leao sits out with a calf injury and Diogo Dalot battles muscle issues. On a brighter note, Cristiano Ronaldo remains fit and poised to spearhead the team’s offensive efforts.

With this in mind, Portugal will play as follows against Armenia: Diogo Costa, Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Inacio, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo challenges critics of the Saudi Pro League’s level with his outstanding form

Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s confirmed arrival to Saudi Arabia, many fans speculated that it signaled the twilight of his professional career. Doubts swirled about his status as a starter for Portugal. Yet, he has defied critics, emerging as one of the league’s leading scorers and the unrivaled star of Al Nassr.

He clinched the top-scorer title in the league twice, netting 35 goals in the 2023-24 season and 25 in 2024-25. While the league championship has eluded him, Cristiano remains a paragon for aspiring soccer players, showcasing an indomitable will to succeed that has sustained his global influence.

In contrast to many head coaches, Roberto Martinez supports players who have joined the Saudi Pro League. He continues to select talents like Joao Felix, Ruben Neves, and Joao Cancelo, all of whom thrive in that league. Martinez added that he focuses on player performance and consistency was rewarded when the team triumphed in the 2025 UEFA Nations League.

[Watch Armenia vs Portugal online in the US on Fubo]

Portugal start their World Cup qualifying campaign as one of the top contenders to secure a direct spot, and the pressure is on to deliver a strong start. Cristiano Ronaldo leads a squad expected to dominate a group that looks favorable on paper, though the danger of slipping into complacency looms large.

Their first test comes against an Armenia side that has made notable strides in recent years and believes it can challenge for the second-place spot. While Portugal aim for a statement win, Armenia’s focus will be on clawing out a result to keep their qualification hopes alive.

When will the Armenia vs Portugal match be played?

Armenia receive Portugal this Saturday, September 6, for Matchday 1 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 12:00 PM (ET).

Armenia vs Portugal: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:00 PM
CT: 11:00 AM
MT: 10:00 AM
PT: 9:00 AM

How to watch Armenia vs Portugal in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Armenia and Portugal will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: Fox Soccer Plus, ViX.

[Watch Georgia vs Armenia live in the USA for FREE on Fubo]

Georgia took full control in the first leg, delivering a commanding 3-0 victory that left little doubt about their dominance. While they were favored heading into the match, few expected such a lopsided scoreline.

Now, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia leading the charge, Georgia looks to seal the series at home, holding a nearly insurmountable advantage. Armenia, on the other hand, faces a daunting task, needing a flawless performance on the road to overcome the three-goal deficit and keep their hopes alive.

When will the Georgia vs Armenia match be played?

Georgia play against Armenia in the second leg 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation playoffs this Sunday, March 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 AM (ET).

Georgia vs Armenia: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:00 AM

CT: 9:00 AM

MT: 8:00 AM

PT: 7:00 AM

How to watch Georgia vs Armenia in the USA

Watch this 2024-25 UEFA Nations League showdown between Georgia and Armenia live in the USA on Fubo (free trial). Other options: FS2, DirecTV Stream, ViX.