### Portugal Secures World Cup Spot with Historic 9-1 Victory Over Armenia Portugal's national football team achieved a remarkable feat on November 16, 2025, by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a stunning 9-1 victory against Armenia. This match marked a significant milestone as it ensured Portugal's participation in their seventh consecutive World Cup, a tournament they have yet to win despite being the Euro 2016 champions. Notably, the team accomplished this victory without their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was suspended due to a red card received in a previous match against Ireland [https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/football/2025/Nov/17/portugal-qualify-for-2026-world-cup-by-thrashing-armenia]. ### Breakdown of the Match and Key Performers 1. **Match Overview**: - Portugal dominated the match against Armenia, scoring nine goals while conceding only one. This overwhelming victory was crucial for securing their World Cup qualification. 2. **Key Players**: - **Bruno Fernandes**: Scored a hat-trick, showcasing his exceptional skills and leadership on the field. - **Joao Neves**: Also netted a hat-trick, contributing significantly to the team's offensive prowess. 3. **Ronaldo's Absence**: - Despite being suspended, Ronaldo's potential participation in a record sixth World Cup remains a highlight for fans and the team alike [https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/portugal-qualifies-2026-fifa-world-cup-cristiano-ronaldo-sixth-tournament-2820956-2025-11-17]. ### Supporting Evidence and Statistics - **Final Score**: Portugal 9 - 1 Armenia - **Hat-tricks**: - Bruno Fernandes: 3 goals - Joao Neves: 3 goals - **Historical Context**: This victory not only secured Portugal's place in the World Cup but also highlighted their offensive capabilities, especially in the absence of their captain [https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/396613/portugal-qualify-for-2026-world-cup-by-thrashing]. ### Conclusion: A Dominant Display Leading to World Cup Qualification In summary, Portugal's emphatic 9-1 victory over Armenia was a defining moment in their World Cup qualifying campaign. The match underscored the team's depth and talent, particularly through the performances of Fernandes and Neves. As they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, Portugal aims to convert this qualification into a successful tournament run, with Cristiano Ronaldo poised to make history as he seeks to participate in his sixth World Cup. 1. **Portugal's Qualification**: Secured with a 9-1 win. 2. **Key Performers**: Fernandes and Neves each scored hat-tricks. 3. **Ronaldo's Record**: Set to participate in a historic sixth World Cup [https://www.republicworld.com/sports/football/cristiano-ronaldo-set-to-create-new-fifa-world-cup-record-as-portugal-demolish-armenia-in-wc-qualifiers].