Portugal’s World Cup 2026 Parade: Ronaldo Watches as the Ticket Is Sealed in a 9-1 Win Over Armenia

Portugal Punches Through to World Cup 2026 in a 9-1 Home Win Over Armenia

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portugal captain and superstar of Al Nassr, celebrated his country’s victory from the sidelines after being suspended, as Portugal thrashed Armenia in Lisbon in the final European qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup.

The 9-1 scoreline in favor of Portugal in front of their home fans secured their place in the World Cup finals for 2026. Portugal finished the qualifying campaign on 13 points from six games, with four wins, a draw, and one defeat, finishing top of Group 6, while Armenia ended with three points.

Ronaldo’s absence came after his sending off against Ireland in Dublin last Thursday, which ruled him out of the crucial match against Armenia. In his post, Ronaldo shared a photo with the squad on X and wrote: “Here we are at the World Cup! Come on, Portugal!”

In the buildup, Ronaldo was set to become the first player in history to appear at six World Cups, a milestone that would place him alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the all-time longevity race. Ronaldo has participated in the World Cup finals in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022, with the door now open for 2026.

Portugal lined up in the absence of their talisman, fielding a familiar lineup featuring Diogo Costa, Semedo, Dias, Veiga, Cancelo, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Leao, Silva and Ramos. Armenia’s starting XI included Avagyan, Hovhannisian, Makrithian, Moryadian, Beloyan, Tekinzyan, Spirtisyan, Moradian, Agasarian, Ramos and Sirobiean.

Early lead and a one-way show

After sustained pressure early on, Portugal took the lead from a Lorenzo-like set piece: Fernandes fired a direct free-kick whose initially saved shot bounced back to Renato Veiga, who headed home. A review by the Video Assistant Referee confirmed the goal, and Portugal grabbed an early advantage.

Armenia struck back moments later when Ranoush Baroonzian delivered a cross from the right and Eduard Spirtisyan finished at the near post to level the score. But the hosts quickly reasserted control, with Ramos poking home after a loose ball from a deflection and adding another goal later in the first half to bring the tally to five goals before the break.

The scoreline exploded late in the first half as Fernandes converted a late penalty after a handball on the edge of the box, sending Portugal into halftime with a 5-1 lead.

Second half: a goal rush

Portugal came out with intent after the break, with Leao forcing a save from the Armenian goalkeeper and Cancelo hitting the woodwork from a left-side run. Fernandes then added a sixth, a clever finish after a quick exchange with Ramos inside the box.

The Armenian resistance waned as the minutes ticked by, and substitute Conceicao contributed with a late goal to seal a ninth for Portugal, an emphatic capstone to the night for the hosts.

As the match wore on, Armenia pressed for some pride, but Costa and the Portuguese defense kept their sheet clean for the rest of the night, sealing a historic qualification in style.

In the closing moments, Ronaldo’s influence remained a topic of discussion among fans and pundits, as they debated whether his presence on the pitch would have altered the scoreline in a game that had already spiraled in Portugal’s favor. The coach’s choice to field a strong lineup in Ronaldo’s absence was clearly vindicated by the wave of goals that followed, and the headlines began to favor the record-book rather than the red card.

In the aftermath, Ronaldo’s World Cup six-appearance chase took a visible step closer to reality, with the World Cup dream now firmly in Portugal’s grasp. The team’s supporters celebrated long into the night as the country prepared for the next chapter in a tournament that has long been within reach.

And for a coach who routinely preaches discipline, last Thursday’s red card now reads as a footnote to a night of clinical finishing and a qualification sealed with a flourish. The Portuguese public will not forget this one soon, especially the scoreline that will be repeated in memes and highlight reels for years to come.

Punchline time: Ronaldo’s resume is starting to look like a never-ending flight itinerary—six World Cups, no layovers in the trophy cabinet. If his legs carry him to 2026, the trophy might just demand frequent flyer miles. Punchline two: If someone asked the referee to add extra minutes for a celebration, Portugal would still find a way to score another, because apparently the scoreboard enjoys a good party too.