Portugal need a result against Armenia on Sunday afternoon if they’re to guarantee their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Roberto Martinez’s side are making a bit of a hash of qualifying. After a strong start that saw them record three-straight wins, Portugal have been held by Hungary and beaten by the Republic of Ireland in their previous two outings.
Thursday night was a special occasion for the Irish but a somber night for the 2016 European champions, who were thoroughly outfought by their hosts and had captain Cristiano Ronaldo sent off on the hour mark for an elbow on Dara O’Shea. It was the first dismissal of his storied international career.
Their defeat and Hungary’s 1–0 win over Armenia means the Iberians now boast just a two-point lead at the summit with one matchday remaining. Fortunately, they thumped their upcoming opponents 5–0 in the reverse fixture back in September, and should be expected to cruise again against a team that has won just one of their five qualifiers so far.
Here’s guide to the qualifier.
