Portugal Qualify for 2026 World Cup With 9–1 Rout as Ronaldo Eyes Record Sixth Finals
A FIFA disciplinary review of his Ireland red card could still trigger a multi‑match ban affecting his World Cup start.
Overview
- Portugal crushed Armenia 9-1 at Estadio do Dragao to clinch top spot in Group F and secure an automatic place at the 2026 World Cup.
- Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick, including two penalties, with Goncalo Ramos, Joao Neves and Francisco Conceicao also on the scoresheet.
- Cristiano Ronaldo missed the match due to suspension from a straight red against the Republic of Ireland but celebrated the qualification on social media.
- Roberto Martínez defended Ronaldo, calling the red card harsh and saying the incident looked worse on camera than it was.
- Reporting indicates FIFA’s disciplinary committee could consider a three-match ban, which would threaten Ronaldo’s availability for Portugal’s early World Cup fixtures.