Portugal began their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in style, sweeping aside Armenia with a dominant 5-0 victory in Yerevan. The win extends their unbeaten head-to-head record against the hosts to seven matches and instantly puts them top of Group F.
Roberto Martínez’s side are determined to build on their Nations League triumph in the summer, and this performance underlined their intent, Softfootball reports.
Fresh off lifting a second UEFA Nations League crown after defeating Spain in the final, Portugal carried that momentum straight into qualifying. They wasted little time, with João Félix heading João Cancelo’s delivery into the net inside ten minutes.
The Portugal National Team took to its official X handle to celebrate Joao Felix who scored a brace, which was both the opening goal and closing goal for the ruthless Portuguese side. See below:
Soon after, Cristiano Ronaldo reminded everyone why he remains indispensable, adding a close-range finish from Pedro Neto’s ball to double the lead.
Cancelo then turned scorer himself before the half-hour mark, hammering home from close range and paying tribute to the late Diogo Jota with his celebration a poignant moment in Yerevan.
The visitors refused to ease off after the break. Within a minute of the restart, Ronaldo struck again, rifling in a beautiful effort from distance to showcase his still-deadly finishing skills.
Portugal kept pressing, and after Ronaldo went close and Neto hit the woodwork, Félix then went on to seal his brace with a composed volley past Henri Avagyan to make it five.
Armenia tried to salvage some pride, with Tigran Barseghyan forcing portuguese goalie Diogo Costa into a save, but the contest had long been settled. Portugal’s win not only secured three points but also sent a statement to others that they still remain one of the strongest sides in European qualifying.
Armenia, meanwhile, will have to regroup quickly before facing the Republic of Ireland, with Hungary also lurking as challengers for a potential play-off spot.
