Portugal secured their seventh consecutive and ninth overall qualification for the FIFA World Cup finals with a resounding 9-1 victory over Armenia on Sunday at the Dragão stadium in Porto. This match was the final, eighth round of the European qualifying group stage for the 2026 World Cup. Portugal's goals were scored by Renato Veiga (7), Gonçalo Ramos (28), João Neves (30, 42, 81), Bruno Fernandes (45+3, 52, 72 from penalties), and substitute Francisco Conceição (90+2). Armenia's sole goal was scored by Edward Spartsiyan (18). This win marked Portugal's largest victory in a World Cup qualifying match, equaling their second-biggest official win in history (8-0 against Liechtenstein in 1996 and 2000). With this result, Portugal, who had already secured their spot, maintained their lead in the group with 13 points. Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain and experienced player for Al-Nassr, missed the match due to a red card received in the previous game against Ireland. Portugal dominated from the start, taking an early lead through Veiga. Armenia equalized, but Portugal then scored eight more goals, largely thanks to Bruno Fernandes' penalty prowess. In another group match, Ireland secured a dramatic victory over Hungary.
