Portugal dominate Armenia 9-1 without Ronaldo to clinch 2026 World Cup spot: Highlights and goals

Portugal defeated Armenia 9-1 in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, and you experienced every moment of this dominant performance here on Bolavip.

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Portugal complete their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers finale with a resounding 9-1 victory over Armenia. Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes each record hat tricks, and Sergio Conceicao adds the final goal to cap off a dominant performance that secures Portugal’s top spot in Group F.

Portugal put the finishing touch on an emphatic victory! Sergio Conceicao scores in the final moments to completely seal the outcome, leaving Armenia with no chance to respond.

Portugal earn a late free kick, but it fails to produce any danger as Armenia clear the ball. The referee adds two minutes of stoppage time, though the match could have easily concluded earlier. Meanwhile, a torrential downpour drenches the pitch.

Portugal strike once more! Joao Neves completes his hat trick, joining Bruno Fernandes in achieving a treble. The midfielder reacts quickest to a rebound inside the six-yard box, connecting with a volley to extend Portugal’s lead.

Portugal make fresh changes, bringing on Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes for Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo.

Bruno Fernandes steps up and calmly slots home the penalty, extending Portugal’s lead even further.

Portugal earn a penalty after Sergey Muradyan fouls Carlos Forbe inside the Armenia box.

Portugal respond with a change of their own, taking off Vitinha and bringing on Joao Felix.

Armenia make a change, with Grant Ranos coming off and Arayaki Eloyan entering the match.

Armenia appear worn down and disappointed as the match progresses, with their intensity dropping noticeably. Portugal ease off slightly but continue to apply pressure through smart positioning and controlled possession.

Armenia made earlier changes, with Artur Serobyan, Narek Aghasanyan, and Erik Piloyan coming off for Zhirayr Shaghoyan, Edgar Sevikan, and Hovhannes Harutyunyan. Portugal now respond with fresh legs of their own, bringing on Carlos Forbe and Sergio Conceicao for Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao.

Portugal strike again! Following a slick team move, Goncalo Ramos delivers a precise assist to Bruno Fernandes, who finishes with composure and precision.

Portugal threaten once more as a precise pass finds Joao Cancelo inside the box. He unleashes a powerful shot, but it sails just over the crossbar.

The second half kicks off at the Estadio do Dragao as Portugal and Armenia resume play.

The first half ends with Portugal leading Armenia 5-1 in a dominant display. Portugal controlled possession, capitalized on defensive errors, and converted key set pieces, while Armenia managed a solitary goal through Eduard Spertsyan. The hosts look well on their way to securing top spot in Group F.

Bruno Fernandes steps up and calmly converts the penalty, giving Portugal another goal and further solidifying their lead.

Portugal earn a penalty after Ruben Dias goes down in the Armenia box following a foul by Sergey Muradyan from a corner.

A handball in the box occurs after Bruno Fernandes’ shot from outside the area strikes Narek Aghasanyan’s arm, earning Portugal a dangerous free kick. Joao Neves steps up and delivers a brilliant strike into the top corner.

Portugal take full command of the match, dominating possession and circulating the ball with purpose. The hosts methodically build their attacks, looking to create high-impact chances and maintain their momentum.

Joao Neves fires a low, precise shot from outside the box with his right foot, sending the ball into the left-hand corner for a stunning goal. Less than a minute after Ramos’ strike, the hosts now lead 3-1.

Portugal retake the lead following a glaring defensive mistake from Armenia. Attempting to play out from the back, the Armenians pass the ball straight to Goncalo Ramos, who reacts instantly. He feints past the goalkeeper and calmly slots the ball into the net, giving Portugal a crucial 2-1 advantage in this decisive qualifier.

The battle for Group F’s top spot has become even more intriguing. Portugal still hope for a favorable result from Hungary, and this Armenia equalizer adds extra tension. Meanwhile, Hungary faces Ireland in a simultaneous match — they took the lead in the third minute through Adam Lukacs, only for Troy Parrott to equalize from the penalty spot. The group standings are hanging by a thread, making this finale truly thrilling.

Armenia’s shock goal serves as a reality check for Portugal, instantly changing the atmosphere on the field. Tension and pressure rise for the hosts, while Armenia gain confidence and composure, looking sharper and more dangerous. Portugal will need to regroup quickly to avoid being caught off guard again.

Armenia stun the stadium with an equalizer. Grant Ranos creates the play out of nothing down the left side, delivering a dangerous cross into the box where Eduard Spertsyan battles through traffic and manages to force the ball over the line.

Despite taking the lead, Portugal are not slowing down. Roberto Martinez’s side continue to press high and control possession, looking to capitalize on their momentum and avoid any complications as the match progresses.

Portugal strike first! After Joao Cancelo earned a dangerous free kick, Bruno Fernandes took the shot, forcing a strong save from Anatoly Avagyan. But the rebound fell perfectly for Renato Veiga, who reacted fastest and headed the ball into the net. Portugal now lead and, for the moment, hold the ticket to the top spot in Group F.

Portugal created the first real threat of the match, with Bernardo Silva taking on a more prominent role early on. The midfielder slipped a sharp pass into the heart of the box, triggering a quick sequence of shots from Goncalo Ramos and Rafael Leao, but Armenia’s defense reacted just in time to block both attempts and clear the danger.

The match kicks off at the Estadio do Dragao as Portugal and Armenia begin this crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier. Portugal look to take control early despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, while Armenia aim to stay compact and wait for opportunities on the break. Stay tuned for every key moment.

Both Portugal and Armenia step onto the pitch at the Estadio do Dragao as the atmosphere builds ahead of this decisive qualifier. The players line up for the national anthems, with the crowd in Porto giving the home side a powerful reception before kickoff.

Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly expressed his support for his teammates ahead of the decisive qualifier, sharing a message of encouragement on his social media accounts. The captain, who is unavailable for today’s match, posted a brief but heartfelt note reaffirming his confidence in the group and urging them to finish the campaign strong.

The Estadio do Dragao is an all-seater soccer stadium in the city of Porto, Portugal, and has served as the home ground of FC Porto since 2003. It holds a capacity of 50,033 spectators, making it the third-largest soccer venue in the country.

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Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature against Armenia on the final matchday after being sent off for elbowing an opponent during Portugal’s 2-0 loss to Ireland. The captain’s direct red card automatically rules him out of today’s decisive qualifier.

UEFA has not yet announced the full length of Ronaldo’s suspension, but his absence against Armenia is already confirmed. Depending on the disciplinary ruling, the penalty could be significantly harsher.

If the maximum sanction is applied, Ronaldo could miss Portugal’s 2026 World Cup debut — and potentially additional matches — if the Portuguese secure qualification.

This is the starting eleven for Armenia as they take the field tonight: Ognjen Chancharevich Avagyan; Erik Piloyan, Sergey Muradyan, Styopa Mkrtchyan, Hrayr Tiknizyan; Narek Aghasanya, Lucas Zelarayan Muradyan, Eduard Spertsyan; Taron Hovhannisyan, Grant-Leon Ranos, Artur Serobyan.

This is the starting eleven selected by Roberto Martinez for today’s decisive qualifier: Diogo Costa; Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Veiga, Joao Cancelo; Joao Neves, Vitinha; Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafa Leao; Goncalo Ramos.

The officiating crew for Portugal vs. Armenia is led by Irfan Peljto of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He is joined by assistants Senad Ibrisimbegovic and Davor Beljo, while Milos Gigovic serves as the fourth official. The VAR team features Italy’s Gianluca Aureliano and Daniele Paterna overseeing video review for this decisive qualifier.

Portugal vs Armenia will get underway at 09:00 AM ET (PT: 6:00 AM)

Watch this 2026 World Cup Qualifier match between Portugal and Armenia live in the USA on Fubo, FS2, DirecTV Stream, and ViX.

Welcome to our live blog of this crucial UEFA qualifier!

Portugal face Armenia in Porto this Sunday with the group lead at stake and heavy pressure after last week’s setback in Dublin. The Portuguese remain in control of their destiny, but they must secure a victory without Cristiano Ronaldo, who is suspended after receiving a straight red card.

Armenia, already eliminated, arrive with nothing to lose and the motivation to disrupt Portugal’s plans on their home field.

Stay with us for key information, storylines, and minute-by-minute updates as Portugal and Armenia battle through a decisive Group F finale!