Portugal delivered a statement performance that secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup on Sunday, Nov. 16. Reeling from a shocking loss to the Republic of Ireland, a match marked by Cristiano Ronaldo's red card, the team entered under immense pressure, needing nothing less than victory.

What followed was a dominant showcase of precision and power, highlighted by hat-tricks from Bruno Fernandes and rising phenom João Neves.

Early Goal Sets Tone for Portugal's Commanding Win

Ronaldo-less Portugal Crushes Armenia With Fernandes, Neves' Hat Tricks Ronaldo-less Portugal Crushes Armenia With Fernandes, Neves' Hat Tricks
MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images

Portugal did not waste any time taking control, as Renato Veiga headed in a free kick from Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes with authority. The early lead settled nerves, but Armenia briefly revived hope when Eduard Spertsyan converted from close range in the 18th minute, per Sportaran.

But that equalizer simply fired Portugal up.

Bruno Fernandes and João Neves Pulled Off Hat Tricks

Gonçalo Ramos restored the advantage for Portugal just 10 minutes later, coolly slotting past the Armenian goalkeeper. João Neves followed with a composed finish, then doubled his tally moments later with a brilliantly placed free kick which left the defense frozen.

On the stroke of halftime, Portugal extended their dominance. After Ruben Dias was brought down inside the box, Bruno Fernandes buried the penalty, pushing the scoreline to 5-1 before the break.

Relentless Second-Half Pressure Turns the Match into a Rout

Portugal refused to ease off. BBC reported that Fernandes struck again early in the second half with a low, driven shot that found the bottom corner. Minutes later, he completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Carlos Forbs was fouled inside the box.

Not to be outdone, João Neves scored a hat-trick of his own, heading home an expertly placed shot from the middle of the box to bring Portugal's total to eight. Finally, with seconds to go, Francisco Conceição scored Portugal's ninth, drilling home from deep on the left side.

Ronaldo's Suspension Means More Responsibility For Portugal

While Portugal's qualification is now confirmed, the fallout from Cristiano Ronaldo's red card still hangs over the group. His suspension against the Republic of Ireland will rule him out of Portugal's first two games at next year's World Cup, increasing the burden on Fernandes, Neves, and the emerging core of Portugal's next generation.