Portugal Secures World Cup Spot, Ronaldo Eyes Historic Sixth Appearance
Portugal clinched their spot in the 2026 men’s World Cup after a wild 9-1 win over Armenia. That result put them at the top of UEFA qualifying group F, ahead of the Republic of Ireland, Hungary, and Armenia.
Still, the mood felt a bit subdued. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s legendary captain, missed the match due to suspension.
This post digs into Portugal’s qualifying run, what Ronaldo’s absence means, and the possible significance of a sixth World Cup for him.
Portugal’s Dominant Performance in Qualifying
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Portugal powered through qualifying with a string of convincing wins. Even without their main man, Cristiano Ronaldo, they rolled over Armenia.
Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves both bagged hat-tricks. Goncalo Ramos, Renato Veiga, and Francisco Conceicao also got on the scoresheet.
Group F Standings and Key Matches
Portugal finished first in Group F. The Republic of Ireland grabbed a play-off spot, while Hungary and Armenia missed out.
Ireland’s dramatic 3-2 win over Hungary, featuring a hat-trick from Troy Parrott, proved decisive for the group standings. That win came right after Ireland’s shock victory over Portugal, which briefly put Portugal’s qualification on hold.
The Impact of Ronaldo’s Suspension
Cristiano Ronaldo picked up a red card against the Republic of Ireland. It was actually his first red card for Portugal, so it was a bit of a shock.
He sat out the big game versus Armenia. FIFA hasn’t confirmed the length of his suspension yet, but it could keep him out of some group-stage matches in 2026.
Portugal’s Performance Without Ronaldo
Portugal showed real depth without Ronaldo on the field. They still managed a huge win, which says a lot about their squad.
Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves were especially crucial, each netting a hat-trick. The team looked confident and flexible, even without their captain.
Ronaldo’s Historic World Cup Journey
The 2026 World Cup could be a landmark for Cristiano Ronaldo. If he makes the squad, he’ll be the first male player to appear in six World Cups.
That would put him in truly rare company, among the all-time greats of the game.
Comparisons with Other Football Legends
If Ronaldo does play in his sixth World Cup, he’ll stand alongside legends like Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa, who might also reach that milestone.
Ronaldo has already scored in five different World Cups, a feat only a handful of players—like Uwe Seeler, Pele, Miroslav Klose, and Messi—can match.
Portugal’s World Cup History
Portugal has built a strong World Cup tradition, qualifying for seven tournaments in a row. Their best run came in 2006, when they reached the semi-finals.
The 2026 tournament is another shot for Portugal to show what they can do on the world stage.
Notable Records and Achievements
Portugal has delivered plenty of memorable World Cup moments. Cristiano Ronaldo, in particular, has shined with 22 appearances and plenty of goals.
He’s been central to Portugal’s steady presence at the tournament.
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Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup
The draw for the 2026 World Cup group stage happens December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
That’ll lay out the opening matchups and give us an idea of what’s in store for all the teams involved.
Expectations for Portugal
Portugal’s squad looks strong, and if Cristiano Ronaldo returns, the buzz will only grow. People expect a lot from this team.
They want to build on a solid qualifying run and push deep into the tournament. Fans and analysts are watching, wondering if Portugal can really shine on the world stage.
If you want more insights or just want to keep up with Portugal’s World Cup story, check out the full article on the New York Times.