Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves both scored hat-tricks as Portugal easily qualified for the 2026 World Cup by defeating Armenia.
A surprising loss to the Republic of Ireland in their previous match, during which captain Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off, meant they needed to win on Sunday to guarantee qualification.
Renato Veiga headed home early after a free kick from Manchester United midfielder Fernandes.
Eduard Spertsyan equalized for Armenia with a close-range strike in the 18th minute, but Portugal gained control after that.
Goncalo Ramos scored 10 minutes later, followed by Neves’ second goal of the game from a free kick.
Portugal’s fifth goal came on the stroke of halftime, when Ruben Dias was fouled inside the box and Fernandes converted the penalty.
Fernandes continued to score in the second half, first with a low strike and then from the penalty spot after Carlos Forbs was fouled.
Neves scored his third and Portugal’s ninth goal from the middle of the box, and Francisco Conceicao finished with seconds left to seal the victory.
With automatic qualification confirmed, Ronaldo’s red card against Ireland means he will miss Portugal’s opening two World Cup games next year.
