YEREVAN, Armenia – Portugal launched their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in emphatic fashion on Saturday, overwhelming Armenia 5-0 in a dominant display that showcased their attacking firepower and cemented their status as Group F favorites.
Fresh off their UEFA Nations League triumph in June, Roberto Martínez’s side needed less than 10 minutes to open the scoring through João Félix’s header from a João Cancelo cross. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo then doubled the lead, tapping in from close range for his 126th international goal before Cancelo hammered home a third just after the half-hour mark.
The second half began with a moment of individual brilliance as Ronaldo unleashed a fierce 30-yard strike just 60 seconds after the restart. Félix completed his brace later in the half with a composed volley, wrapping up a comprehensive victory. The match was also marked by emotional tributes to the late Diogo Jota, with Cancelo honoring his former teammate with Jota’s signature video game-inspired celebration after scoring.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Armenia showed brief resilience in the second half with Tigran Barseghyan forcing a save from goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The victory extends Portugal’s unbeaten streak against Armenia to seven matches and immediately places them atop the qualifying group.
With Hungary and the Republic of Ireland comprising the rest of Group F, Po
