Portugal punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in emphatic fashion on Sunday, tearing apart Armenia 9–1 in a dominant display that underlined something very clear: they might no longer need Cristiano Ronaldo to be at their ruthless best.
A Statement Win
From the first whistle, it was clear that Roberto Martínez’s side meant business. Just seven minutes in, Renato Veiga headed home a smart set-piece delivery to get Portugal off to a fast start. But Armenia responded almost immediately, as Eduard Spertsyan equalised to give the underdogs some brief hope.
That hope, however, was extinguished quickly. Gonçalo Ramos pounced on a back pass to restore the lead, and soon after, João Neves struck from outside the box. The young midfielder then curled in a free-kick to make it three.
Before the break, Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty to stretch the lead to 5–1.
In the second half, Portugal didn’t let up. Fernandes added two more goals — one from another penalty, to complete his hat-trick, and Neves followed by netting his third. Francisco Conceição put the exclamation mark on the rout with a long-range strike deep in stoppage time.
Ronaldo’s Absence, Portugal’s Strength
Perhaps the most striking part of the night was Ronaldo’s absence. The veteran was suspended after his red card in the defeat to Ireland just days earlier, meaning he watched from the sidelines as his teammates dismantled Armenia.
That fact raises a glaring question: do the Seleção still need their legendary captain to deliver in big moments? On this form, the answer might well be shifting.
New Generation Takes the Spotlight
Sunday wasn’t just about breaking down a weak defense, it was about a new generation stepping up. Fernandes, a seasoned midfielder, showed his class, but João Neves, still very young in his international career, burst into the headlines. His composure, technique, and sheer confidence were on full display as he matched Fernandes with a hat-trick.
Add to that Ramos, whose sharp movement and calmness around goal underscored Portugal’s growing attacking depth. These are not just role-players; they are leaders in their own right.
Tactical Poise Under Martínez
Roberto Martínez deserves credit. Without Ronaldo, one might have expected Portugal to be less threatening or less balanced. Instead, they played with control, aggression, and tactical intelligence. Their structure didn’t collapse without their talisman — it reinforced their broader strengths.
Their press was high, their passing crisp, and their rotations seamless. Martínez’s faith in a younger, dynamic lineup paid off handsomely.
The Psychological Factor: How Important Is Ronaldo?
Ronaldo has long brought leadership, experience, and a psychological edge. Opponents fear him. Teammates lean on him. But this match suggests that Portugal’s mental toughness is no longer solely built around him.
The young players, Neves, Ramos, Veiga — looked both confident and hungry. They weren’t just playing for themselves; they were playing for the team, for Portugal. And that could be the most dangerous formula of all.
What This Means for 2026
- Qualification secured: With this result, Portugal confirmed their spot in the 2026 World Cup.
- Ronaldo’s future: At 40 (or thereabouts, depending on how you count), Ronaldo is eyeing a sixth World Cup. But how big a role will he realistically play?
- A balanced squad: This match was proof that Portugal may not need to rely on a single superstar — they can win convincingly with a broader, younger core.
A Statement, Not Just a Win
Portugal’s 9–1 demolition of Armenia wasn’t just qualification sealed, it was a statement. With or without Ronaldo, this squad has the firepower, cohesion, and depth to challenge on the world’s biggest stage.
If this is the blueprint for 2026, then far from being a crutch, Ronaldo may become a luxury: not essential, but deadly when deployed smartly. And for Portugal, that might be the evolution they need to finally go all the way.
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