Portugal needed to win to qualify for the World Cup, avoiding being caught by Hungary, after the traumatic defeat to Ireland and in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was suspended following his

Portugal and Armenia faced each other in Matchday 6 of the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, they delivered an impressive 9-1 victory to seal their spot in the anticipated tournament with a hattrick from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves.

Portugal's president, Rebelo de Sousa, took centre stage and talked about the recent red card that Cristiano Ronaldo received, which saw him miss Portugal's dominant 9-1 victory against Armenia in the World Cup qualifiers.

Ronaldo only has himself to blame for his absence against Armenia. The 40-year-old was handed his first international red card on his 226th appearance last time out, letting his frustrations get the better of him during Portugal’s shock 2–0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland.

EADaily, November 17th, 2025. Armenia has already been cut off from Russia. It has become a NATO territory. About this during the Armenian public figure Grigor Grigoryan announced the international round table "Eurasian Integration and prospects for the economic development of the Republic of Armenia" in Yerevan.

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a message of support to his Portugal team-mates ahead of their meeting with Armenia. The Selecao currently top Group F ahead of the final round of World Cup qualification games but defeat to Ireland on Thursday means they need to win to book their trip stateside next summer.