Overview
- Cristiano Ronaldo serves an automatic suspension after his first-ever Portugal red card, upgraded by VAR for an elbow on Dara O’Shea in the loss to Ireland.
- Portugal named Gonçalo Ramos to lead the line in Porto, with Bruno Fernandes back in the XI, as Ronaldo was sent home and posted a message of support on Instagram.
- A win over Armenia guarantees first place in Group F, while a draw leaves Portugal relying on goal-difference and head-to-head tiebreakers if Hungary beat Ireland.
- Coach Roberto Martinez called the dismissal unfortunate and questioned the VAR angles, as the disciplinary process could bring a multi‑game ban that may extend to the World Cup opener.
- England manager Thomas Tuchel cited the incident when urging his squad to avoid unnecessary red cards heading into their own qualifier.