Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick as Portugal thrashed Armenia 9-1 to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup.
Roberto Martinez’s men ran riot at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, with Manchester United midfielder Fernandes and Paris Saint-Germain star Joao Neves at the centre of the success with trebles.
Portugal opened the scoring inside seven minutes through Renato Veiga, though Eduard Spertsyan’s 18th-minute equaliser restored parity.
The hosts bounced back emphatically, however, scoring freely despite the absence of suspended talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. Goncalo Ramos restored Portugal’s lead, before a quick-fire double from Neves put the Portuguese firmly in control.
Fernandes’ first of the afternoon, from the penalty spot, made it 5-1 at the interval. Portugal refused to let up after the break as Fernandes and Neves each claimed hat-tricks. Fernandes’ treble ended a barren run for the national team, having failed to score for one year and one day prior to his hat-trick against Armenia.
Francisco Conceição’s stoppage-time strike made it nine for Portugal, who qualify for the World Cup as Group F winners.
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