Armenia national team captain Tigran Barseghyan handed three-match suspension

Armenia national team captain Tigran Barseghyan has been suspended for three matches after receiving a straight red card in the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ireland, UEFA has officially informed the Football Federation of Armenia.

The incident occurred on October 14 in Dublin: in the 52nd minute, Barseghyan was sent off for unsporting behavior after headbutting Ireland midfielder Finn Azaz. The dismissal proved decisive, as Armenia lost 0–1.

According to UEFA’s decision, the captain will miss the two remaining November qualifiers — against Hungary and Portugal — as well as the next official match. The third missed game will either be the opening match of a potential World Cup 2026 playoff (if Armenia finishes second in Group F) or the first match of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League.

This is a major blow for Yeghishe Melikyan’s team: the 32-year-old Barseghyan is not only the captain but also one of Armenia’s most effective players, performing successfully in Europe.

At the same time, Melikyan has already begun evaluating young players to strengthen the national squad.