Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves bagged hat-tricks as Portugal crushed Armenia 9-1 in Porto to clinch qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
Despite the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who was suspended after being sent off in the defeat to Ireland, Roberto Martinez’s side produced a ruthless performance to finish top of Group F.
Portugal entered the match under pressure following a draw in Hungary and a shock loss to the Republic of Ireland. Still, it responded by securing their seventh consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance.
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Manchester United star Fernandes and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Neves stole the spotlight, while Renato Veiga, Gonçalo Ramos and Francisco Conceição also found the net in a dominant display.
“We always want to win in the same way, to be convincing and control the game. It’s not always possible, but today we were effective and achieved a good victory,” Fernandes said after the match.
Portugal made a flying start when Fernandes’ inswinging free-kick was pushed near the post, allowing Veiga to head home the rebound in the seventh minute. But Armenia stunned the hosts moments later as Grant-Leon Ranos set up captain Eduard Spertsyan for an equaliser.
The response was immediate. Ramos intercepted a back pass and rounded goalkeeper Henri Avagyan to restore Portugal’s lead, before Neves drilled home from the edge of the box after a neat team move.
Neves then produced a stunning free-kick into the top corner for his second, and Fernandes extended the lead to 5-1 from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time after Rúben Dias was fouled.
Fernandes and Neves completed their hat-tricks after the break as Portugal continued to overwhelm the visitors, with Conceição also getting on the scoresheet to seal an emphatic victory.
With qualification secured, Portugal will compete at the 2026 World Cup without Ronaldo for their opening two matches due to his suspension.
