Portugal certainly will not have drawn up the finish to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign quite like this, entering the final match day against Armenia still needing to wrap up a spot at next summer's big dance.
To complicate matters further, Cristiano Ronaldo will not be on the field to help Portugal secure qualification.
Ronaldo was sent off against the Republic of Ireland, leaving him out of action for the country's final qualifier, and likely what would have been the final qualifier of the 40-year-old's career, on home soil no less.
Portugal sit two points above Hungary in the standings, needing to equal Hungary's result against Ireland to qualify mathematically. They can also qualify with a draw and a Hungary win, as long as they maintain their three-goal differential advantage.
Their opponents Armenia are bottom of the group, with just one win to four defeats from their five qualifying matches so far.
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Portugal lineup vs. Armenia: Projected starting XI, team news
Cristiano Ronaldo is banned for this match as punishment for the red card he received against Republic of Ireland for elbowing Dara O'Shea, putting him at risk of suspension at the FIFA World Cup as well.
He will likely be replaced by PSG's Goncalo Ramos at the head of the attack for at least this one game.
Not with the squad is Pedro Neto who withdrew from international duty with a groin injury after heavy usage with Chelsea this season. Also absent due to injury is Pedro Goncalves of Sporting CP.
Portugal projected starting XI (3-4-3, right to left): D. Costa (GK) — Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Dalot — J. Neves, R. Neves, Vitinha — B. Silva, Ramos, Felix.
Full Portugal roster
Goalkeepers: Joao Carvalho, Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva.
Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Nelson Semedo, Antonio Silva, Renato Veiga.
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha.
Forwards: Francisco Conceicao, Joao Felix, Carlos Forbs, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Francisco Trincao.
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Portugal vs. Armenia match details
- Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. Local / 2 p.m. GMT / 9 a.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Do Dragao (Porto, Portugal)
- Last meeting: Armenia 0-5 Portugal (Sep. 6, 2025 | UEFA World Cup qualifying)