Football Match Report | Portugal 9 - 1 Armenia

Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves each struck hat-tricks for Portugal 

They booked their place at the 2026 World Cup in sweeping style with a ruthless victory over Armenia.

Author | Natalie R

Stadium | Estádio Do Dragão

A shock defeat to the Republic of Ireland in their previous outing, in which captain Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off, meant a win was required on Sunday to seal qualification. They set about the task with purpose and moved ahead early when Renato Veiga met a Fernandes free-kick with a firm header.

Armenia hit back through Eduard Spertsyan, who finished from close range in the 18th minute, but Portugal soon reasserted themselves. Goncalo Ramos restored the lead with a composed finish, and Neves added two more, the second from a free-kick, as Roberto Martinez’s side took full control.

A fifth arrived on the stroke of half-time after Ruben Dias was brought down in the area and Fernandes sent the resulting penalty into the corner.

There was more goals to come

Portugal showed no sign of easing off after the break. Fernandes struck again with a low drive and later converted another penalty after Carlos Forbs was fouled. Neves completed his treble with a neat finish from the heart of the box before Francisco Conceicao added a ninth in the final moments.

With qualification secured, attention now turns to Ronaldo’s suspension. His red card against Ireland could rule him out of Portugal’s first two matches at next summer’s tournament if Fifa opts to extend the ban.

Please note | European Super Football will have all the updates on which teams have qualified for the tournament. Are you watching Donald Trump?