Portugal head into their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier knowing that victory against Armenia will confirm their seventh consecutive appearance at the tournament. Their journey took a detour this week when Ireland stunned them 2-0 in Dublin. That defeat handed Roberto Martínez his first loss of the campaign and included Ronaldo’s first international red card, a moment that left fans frustrated after a recent 2-2 draw with Hungary, as reported by SoftFootball.
Armenia, already eliminated, come into the match with little pressure and a desire to close their campaign with dignity. Their narrow losses to Hungary and Ireland showed glimpses of fight, but Yegishe Melikyan’s team have struggled for goals and form. Their last win remains the surprising 2-1 victory over Ireland back in September, a moment that briefly lifted hope before results dipped again.
Team News
Portugal will be without Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be serving a suspension after his red card against Ireland. It is a rare sight considering how influential he has been this cycle, and even more so after he recently confirmed his final World Cup journey, as reported by SoftFootball. Pedro Neto and Pedro Gonçalves are also missing through injury. Bruno Fernandes returns from suspension and is expected to slot back into midfield.
Armenia will be without Tigran Barseghyan due to suspension, meaning Edgar Sevikyan should continue in attack.
Possible Lineups
Portugal (4-3-3): D Costa; N Semedo, Inacio, Dias, Dalot; J Neves, Fernandes, Vitinha; Bernardo, G Ramos, Leao.
Armenia (4-3-3): Avagyan; Piloyan, Muradyan, Mkrtchyan, Tiknizyan; Hovhannisyan, Muradyan, Spertsyan; Sevikyan, Ranos, Shaghoyan.
Portugal shared a video of a nighttime training session, featuring players in drills, passing, and huddling to emphasise mental and physical recovery on their official X account, following their 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland, highlighting the team’s need to regroup for the next match.
Watch the video below:
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Portugal should win comfortably. Their home form has been outstanding; they are unbeaten in 18 straight home matches, and Armenia have failed to score in their last three outings. With Gonçalo Ramos leading the line and Bruno Fernandes back in the team, the hosts are expected to dominate. Armenia’s defensive discipline may keep them in the game early, but Portugal’s quality should eventually show.
Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Armenia.
