Portugal's Ronaldo-free mission: can they seal World Cup 2026 against Armenia?

Portugal Without Ronaldo Faces Armenia in a Do-or-Die Qualifier

Portugal meets Armenia in a pivotal European qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Roberto Martínez guiding a squad that must win to keep automatic qualification within reach. They sit atop Group 6 with 10 points, two clear of Hungary, while Ireland have 7 and Armenia 3, leaving little room for error as they prepare for a decisive encounter at the Dragão in Porto.

The defeat away to Ireland in the previous round disrupted a smooth campaign and handed the initiative back to the chasing pack, increasing the pressure on this fixture to restore momentum.

Crucially, Portugal will be without their all-time scorer Cristiano Ronaldo after a red card against Ireland. Depending on FIFA's ruling, the ban could span three matches, which would mean Ronaldo would miss the Armenia game and potentially the first two World Cup 2026 group-stage matches, should the punishment be confirmed.

Martínez named a starting XI that excludes Ronaldo but features a blend of seasoned players and fresh faces: Diogo Costa in goal; a defensive line led by Semedo and Dias; a midfield cluster including Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes; with Cancelo and Leão on the flanks and options in Bernardo Silva and Gonçalo Ramos in attack.

Armenia approach the game aiming to upset the favorites, with a lineup built to press Portugal and seek opportunities on the break. The match promises a tactical duel as Armenia look to take advantage of any momentary hesitations in the Portuguese ranks.

Portugal still push for direct qualification by securing a win, while officials weigh Ronaldo's sanction. The Portuguese federation is preparing its case to secure the lightest possible punishment, arguing that the pre-match atmosphere and context should be considered and that Ronaldo has no prior red cards with Portugal.

The red card occurred in the 62nd minute after a VAR review for elbow contact on an Irish defender. Portugal continued with ten men and could not overturn the deficit, adding drama to a campaign already rich with tension as the World Cup finals approach.

News from Porto indicate that the federation is consulting with FIFA's disciplinary committee to determine the final outcome, with a decision expected by late November or early December. The aim is to minimize disruption, ideally limiting Ronaldo's suspension to a single match so he can rejoin the squad for the World Cup finals, should the ban be sanctions-friendly.

Portugal's federation leader Pedro Proença closely follows the proceedings, preparing arguments that Ronaldo faced provocation and acted in a moment of charged emotion, while highlighting Ronaldo's clean disciplinary record prior to this incident.

Regardless of the ruling, the Dragão clash stands as a critical moment: a win would reinforce momentum and a direct route to Qatar’s successor tournament while keeping Ronaldo in the frame for future games. The broader narrative remains a test of squad depth and strategic planning under Martínez as the World Cup 2026 looms.

And now for a bit of humor to ease the tension: Punchline 1: Ronaldo's red card might have been a vacation from the spotlight, but the calendar still wants him back sooner than a returning satellite dish. Punchline 2: If this match were a movie, it would be titled “The Ultrabackpass: redemption arc, elbow drama, and a dragão-sized cliffhanger.”