An analysis of the Armenian national team's readiness for matches against Hungary and Ireland

The Armenian National Team is preparing for two difficult away matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers: on October 11 against Hungary and on October 14 against Ireland. After the home victory over Ireland (2:1), Armenian fans are focused on the team’s condition ahead of these crucial away fixtures. Below is a detailed analysis of each player by line (goalkeepers, defense, midfield, attack) and a review of the key questions before these games.

Compared to the September matches, Armenia has only one squad loss: winger Edgar Sevikyan is injured and will miss both games.

On the positive side, central defender Stepa Mkrtchyan is back after skipping the September matches due to injury.

In addition, head coach Yeghishe Melikyan has called up Artur Miranyan, David Davidyan, and Karen Muradyan, who were absent from the previous squad. This gives the coach more options in several positions.

Mkrtchyan’s return means Armenia now has four quality central defenders, allowing for optimal combinations and rotation over the two away games.
David Davidyan’s presence provides an alternative to Kamo Hovhannisyan on the right flank if necessary — in September there was no natural backup right back, forcing the 33-year-old to play both matches in full.

Artur Miranyan is the only natural center forward in the squad — a crucial reinforcement. Even if he doesn’t start, his presence on the bench gives the coach tactical flexibility, especially if the team needs to press harder or come back into a game.
Yes, Armenia also has Grant-Leon Ranos, who just scored his first Bundesliga goal, but stylistically he is not a classic penalty-box striker.

This article takes into account the players’ club performances since the September 9 match against Ireland in Yerevan.

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeper lineup remains unchanged: Arsen Beglaryan, Ognjen Čančarević, and Henry Avagyan. All three are in steady form at their clubs and maintain good match fitness.

Arsen Beglaryan (Alashkert, Armenia) — played all five league matches in September, conceding five goals as his team earned three wins and stayed top of the table. Did not feature for the national team last month, but is in good rhythm.
17 caps for Armenia.

Ognjen Čančarević (Noah, Armenia) — started against Ireland and played a key role in the win. Since then played four league matches, conceding three goals, with his club unbeaten. Not involved in European competitions but has regular match practice.
20 caps for Armenia.

Henry Avagyan (Pyunik, Armenia) — was in the squad vs Portugal but missed the Ireland match with a minor knock, avoiding serious injury. Since then played four games for Pyunik, conceding four goals and helping the team win three.
3 caps for Armenia.

Avagyan knows coach Melikyan well from their time together at Pyunik and remains the main candidate for the starting spot. However, Čančarević is also in fine form, so the coach may split duties, one game each. Beglaryan is ready to step in if needed.

Defenders

Albert Khachumyan is not called up this time, his place taken by the recovered Stepa Mkrtchyan, while Arsen Sadoyan has received his first-ever call-up. In addition, David Davidyan — normally a midfielder — is listed here as he may be used at right wing-back.

Kamo Hovhannisyan (Ararat-Armenia, Armenia) — the veteran just turned 33. After the September qualifiers he missed two league games (likely a minor injury), then came off the bench once, and started the last two. Still the first-choice right wing-back, though now has a backup in Davidyan.
90 caps, 3 goals — the most experienced player in the current squad.

David Davidyan (Rotor, Russia) — returns after a year away from the team. Previously worked under Melikyan at Pyunik, who converted him from striker to wing-back. This summer joined Rotor Volgograd, playing 10 games, scoring twice and assisting twice — but as an attacker. In the national team will be seen mainly as backup for Hovhannisyan, but could also play higher up if required.
3 caps.

Edgar Grigoryan (Ararat-Armenia, Armenia) — in the best form of his career. A constant starter, never substituted, and has provided two assists. His club is unbeaten this season. Notably, his strong partnership with Jirair Shagoyan on the left flank could translate well to the national side. Can also cover for Nair Tiknizyan.
8 caps.

Nair Tiknizyan (Crvena Zvezda, Serbia) — after his move from Lokomotiv Moscow, faced heavy fan and media scrutiny in Serbia. Criticized after poor games vs Partizan and Celtic, but bounced back with excellent performances vs Porto (Europa League) and Radnički. Now in top form: played nearly full matches in Europe, regular starter in the league, and added an assist in a 7:1 win over Železničar. Visa issues for Ireland have been resolved.
24 caps, 1 goal, 6 assists.

Georgi Harutyunyan (Puskás Akadémia, Hungary) — 21 years old, now back in the starting lineup for his club, importantly as a central defender (not midfield). Played two full matches recently, including a clean sheet vs Újpest. Expected to feature in both October qualifiers.
26 caps.

Sergey Muradyan (Noah, Armenia) — 21 years old, an ever-present in both domestic league and Conference League. Strong display vs Croatian champions Rijeka. Locked in as a starter.
11 caps.

Styopa Mkrtchyan (Osijek, Croatia) — 22, missed September with injury but is back. Recently played a full match (a 1:0 win), plus two substitute appearances with one assist. The only left-footed central defender, key for balancing with Tiknizyan. In September vs Ireland he was well replaced by Erik Piloyan, though Piloyan struggled vs Portugal (as did the rest). The coach must now choose between them, but having the option is valuable.
20 caps.

Erik Piloyan (Urartu, Armenia) — 24, excellent vs Ireland, continued solid form at his club. Played four matches (three at right back, one in the center), with three clean sheets. Still early to say if he can always match his Ireland performance, but clearly growing in confidence.
4 caps.

Erik Simonyan (Urartu, Armenia) — did not feature in September, only 30 minutes at club level since. Remains a deep reserve, called upon only in case of injuries or suspensions. Has been called up before but not debuted yet.
0 caps.

Arsen Sadoyan (Alashkert, Armenia) — a 26-year-old debutant. This season became a starter for the league leaders. A very quick and tireless left-back, a late bloomer. Likely called up initially due to concerns over Tiknizyan’s visa, though that is resolved.

Midfielders

The midfield core of Eduard Spertsyan and Ugochukwu Iwu remains intact. Out this time are Artak Dashyan, Hovhannes Harutyunyan, Gor Manvelyan (all Noah), and Daniel Agbalan (Pyunik). Veteran Karen Muradyan returns.

Karen Muradyan (Ararat-Armenia, Armenia) — the captain is having a superb season, his club unbeaten in the league. At 32, he still plays every game from the start, almost never substituted. Known not for flair but for intelligence, reliability, and leadership. Was a starter for Armenia in 2021, otherwise usually a substitute. Will likely be first in line to replace Iwu.
11 caps.

Ugochukwu Iwu (Rubin, Russia) — key player for both club and country. Has played all 11 Russian league games without substitution, anchoring midfield and contributing 3 assists. A major reason Rubin are near the top of the table. Importantly, he avoided yellow cards in early qualifiers, so available for both October matches.
19 caps.

Eduard Spertsyan (Krasnodar, Russia) — captain of his club, still in stunning form. In 11 league matches: 4 goals, 10 assists. Involved in a controversy in Russia (accusations of racist remarks in a recent match), but now focused on the national team. The call-up is a mental reset, and he is expected to be the creative leader.
36 caps, 10 goals.

Narek Aghasaryan (Urartu, Armenia) — debuted vs Portugal (4 minutes), unused vs Ireland. Since then played four full matches for his club, gaining confidence. Could get more minutes in October.

Karen Nalbandyan (Alashkert, Armenia) — captain of the league leaders, very consistent. Did not debut in September but now has strong chances. Scored in five consecutive games for his club (five goals total, four from penalties). Currently second in league scoring. Could see second-half minutes in the qualifiers.

Forwards / Wingers

Lucas Zelarayán (Belgrano, Argentina) — captain and leader at his club, continues as main creative force. Played three full matches since September, scoring once. Will join the squad late (after October 5 club match), arriving directly in Budapest on October 10. Because of travel, his starting role vs Hungary is uncertain, but even off the bench he can make an impact.
24 caps, 5 goals.

Jirair Shaghoyan (Ararat-Armenia, Armenia) — in great form, ready to cover for Zelarayán if needed. Since September: 1 goal, 4 assists in league play. Confident and consistent.
19 caps, 1 goal.

Artur Serobyan (Ararat-Armenia, Armenia) — arrives with solid match practice. Had a spectacular goal vs Ireland disallowed for offside. Since then scored twice in five club games. One of the most promising young attackers, still looking for his first international goal.
22 caps.

Tigran Barseghyan (Slovan, Slovakia) — new national team captain. Turned 32 after the September fixtures and celebrated with three goals for his club, one voted goal of the month, plus an assist in the Conference League. In top form and high spirits. Fans await his 10th international goal — he hasn’t scored for Armenia since 2023.
62 caps, 9 goals.

Vahan Bichakhchyan (Legia, Poland) — recently saw less playing time at his club due to new signings, but scored vs Górnik before the call-up. In September played in unusual roles: as central midfielder vs Portugal and as a false nine vs Ireland. Likely to be used again in this flexible role.
44 caps, 5 goals.

Grant-Leon Ranos (Borussia Mönchengladbach, Germany) — scored the winner vs Ireland and now his first Bundesliga goal. Getting more minutes in Germany and arriving in good spirits.
19 caps, 5 goals.

Artur Miranyan (Bnei Sakhnin, Israel) — absent in September while settling into a new club. Now a starter, with five full matches and one goal. His return gives Armenia the traditional striker option they previously lacked.
16 caps, 1 goal.

Squad Outlook

Armenia approaches the October fixtures in better condition than a month ago. No major injuries or suspensions. Edgar Sevikyan’s absence is offset by the in-form Artur Serobyan. Stepa Mkrtchyan’s return is perhaps the most important reinforcement. David Davidyan adds flexibility at right wing-back, and Artur Miranyan strengthens the attack with a true center forward.

Several players are at peak form: Georgi Harutyunyan (now consistently playing as a defender at club level), Tigran Barseghyan, Ugochukwu Iwu, and Eduard Spertsyan. This gives Melikyan more lineup options and confidence going into the away games vs Hungary and Ireland.

Overall, Armenia looks more balanced than at any point in the past year. If the team maintains discipline and converts its chances, earning points in October is realistic.

Probable Armenia Lineup

Henry Avagyan — Kamo Hovhannisyan, Georgi Harutyunyan, Sergey Muradyan, Stepa Mkrtchyan, Nair Tiknizyan — Ugochukwu Iwu, Eduard Spertsyan, Vahan Bichakhchyan — Tigran Barseghyan, Grant-Leon Ranos.