Portugal 9-1 Armenia result - Hosts score nine to confirm World Cup place without suspended Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with an impressive 9-1 victory against Armenia.

Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick each during an entertaining display in front of their home fans.

Portugal had to win their final group match to secure qualification after drawing in Hungary and being beaten against Ireland earlier in the week.

The hosts were also without talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, who was suspended following his red card in Dublin.

The tension was heightened early on when Renato Veiga saw his early opener cancelled out by Eduard Spertsyan.

However, the Armenian spirit was broken by two goals within 90 seconds courtesy of Goncalo Ramos and a sublime Neves strike.

Neves made it four with an inch-perfect free-kick which flew in off the crossbar before Fernandes’ penalty made it 5-1 at half-time.

Not content with their lead, Fernandes netted a sixth before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

PSG star Neves completed his hat-trick with nine minutes remaining before substitute Francisco Conceicao scored a ninth.

The 21-year-old midfielder was on fire. His first-half display changed the tone of the afternoon.

There was clear nervousness around Porto when Armenia equalised. However, Neves struck twice to see off any fightback from the visitors.

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The Manchester United star had not scored for Portugal in over a year before this game. However, he led by example scoring two penalties and one from open play.

Fernandes also provided a host of assists and caused Armenia problems all afternoon.

A draw against Hungary followed by a defeat in Ireland had put some pressure on this talented Portuguese side. Without Cristiano Ronaldo heads might have dropped when Armenia equalised.

However, led by Fernandes they provided the perfect response with nine goals and 33 attempts on target.

Portugal are through to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The ninth goal is the final piece of action. Portugal have been entertaining this afternoon.

Joao Felix and Forbs combine before Conceicao unleashes a low effort into the net. The substitute deserved a goal for his desire in the second half.

Conceicao sends a lovely ball into the Armenia box. Ramos is stretching for the ball and heads over, but behind him was Forbs who was much better placed to score

Fernandes plays a lovely one-two with Ramos before slipping the ball to substitute Joao Felix. However, the ball bobbles slightly and his effort is lifted over.

That came moments after goalkeeper Avagyan denied Ramos from close range.

The Portugal goalkeeper has largely been a spectator in this match. However, he is forced into late action palming away a free-kick and then an effort fired at him.

Fernandes lofts a lovely ball into the path of the substitute. Conceicao takes a touch to cut inside before blazing over. Heavy rain is pouting down in Porto as everyone grabs their coats.

Bandikyan has replaced Muradyan for Armenia

Neves seals his hat-trick. Fernandes’ cross sees Nevez rattle the post with his effort before it comes down for Neves who makes no mistake to score.

It was almost an incredible goal direct from a corner for the Manchester United man. However, he is denied by a fine Avagyan save who claws the ball from under his own crossbar.

With Portugal well out of sight the tempo and desire in this game has gone somewhat. There are a few youngsters like Forbs who are still keen to impress.

Nunes comes on for Cancelo; meanwhile Neves is on for an injured Dias 

Joao Felix plays the ball into the path of Forbs who is clearly fouled inside the box by a tiring Muradyan.

Fernandes takes the chance to complete his hat-trick despite goalkeeper Avagyan getting close to the effort.

His wayward shot was the last of the action for Vitinha as he is replaced by Joao Felix

Fernandes sends a looping cross towards Forbs. Ramos sees his effort blocked before Vitinha fires over.

Armenian goal scorer Ranos is replaced by Eloyan

Fernandes is again in the thick of the action. This time he releases Conceicao who under pressure can only fire a low effort at the goalkeeper.