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.