Portugal host Armenia in their final World Cup qualifier on Sunday as they look to book their spot at next summer’s tournament in North America.
Roberto Martinez’ side need to bounce back from a shock 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, a loss that halted their impressive unbeaten run and saw Cristiano Ronaldo sent off for the first time in his international career.
It was the first time they have lost a qualifier during the Spanish coach’s tenure. Another defeat this weekend could see them drop in second in Group F and have to go through the play-off route. Armenia, meanwhile, are guaranteed to finish bottom of the table.
Portugal vs Armenia – World Cup qualifier preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 16th November
- Kick-off: 2pm BST
- Venue: Estádio do Dragão, Porto
- Referee: Irfan Peljto
- Last meeting: Armenia 0-6 Portugal, FIFA World Cup qualifier, 6th September 2025
Portugal team news
Portugal will be without Cristiano Ronaldo as he serves a suspension after being sent off against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday. The 40-year-old received a straight red for an off-the-ball incident in the 61st minute when he elbowed Dara O’Shea.
Manager Roberto Martinez has indicated that Goncalo Ramos, the Paris Saint-Germain striker, will likely replace Ronaldo in the forward line, offering an opportunity for the 24-year-old to make an impact. Bruno Fernandes is available again following a suspension and will return to the midfield for the crucial fixture.
Read – Cristiano Ronaldo strop enters the annals of Irish football history
Armenia team news
Armenia have no new injury concerns for their final World Cup qualifier match against Portugal.
Head coach Yeghishe Melikyan has a balanced squad at his disposal. Eduard Spertsyan, Kamo Hovhannisyan and Nair Tiknizyan are all in the squad and can inspire confidence and leadership on the pitch to get a positive result against a formidable opponent like Portugal
Melikyan might decide to give new players a chance in the starting XI to showcase their talent and gain experience though they will certainly play for their pride and will look to end their campaign on a high.
Form
Portugal
Portugal started the campaign strongly, winning their opening three matches against Armenia, Hungary, and the Republic of Ireland to build a commanding position atop Group F.
However, their form faltered in October when they drew 1-1 with Hungary, followed by an unexpected 2-0 defeat to Ireland in Dublin this week. Troy Parrott scored twice to secure Ireland’s first World Cup qualifying victory over Portugal. Despite this setback, Martinez’ side remain on 10 points from five matches with a superior goal difference over second-placed Hungary.
Armenia
Armenia has endured a difficult qualifying campaign, securing only one victory from five matches to sit at the bottom of Group F with just three points.
Their sole win came in September against the Republic of Ireland at home, a memorable 2-1 victory in Yerevan that showed their capacity to compete against European opposition. However, they have lost every other game in the group, including a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Saturday’s opponents back in September.
Read – Martinez defends Ronaldo after red card against Ireland
Predicted lineups
Portugal: D Costa; N Semedo, Inacio, Dias, Dalot; J Neves, Fernandes, Vitinha; Bernardo, G Ramos, Leao
Armenia: Avagyan; Piloyan, Muradyan, Mkrtchyan, Tiknizyan; Hovhannisyan, Muradyan, Spertsyan; Sevikyan, Ranos, Shaghoyan
How to watch Portugal vs Armenia?
In the UK, Amazon Prime Video holds the exclusive rights to stream the fixture online.
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