Armenia suffers heavy defeat to Portugal in opening World Cup 2026 qualifier

The Armenian national team began the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a loss to Portugal. On September 6 in Yerevan, Yeghishe Melikyan’s side was beaten 0–5.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the main hero of the match, scoring twice and bringing his tally against Armenia to seven goals. His Al-Nassr teammate João Félix netted twice, while Al-Hilal defender João Cancelo added the fifth. Notably, all goals were scored by players currently competing in the Saudi Pro League.

For Armenia, this was the debut match under new head coach Yeghishe Melikyan. Narek Agasaryan also made his first appearance for the national team, coming on late in the game.

Lineups:

Armenia: Avagyan — Hovhannisyan, Ployan, Harutyunyan, Muradyan, Tiknizyan (Grigoryan, 79) — Iwu (Agasaryan, 86), Spertsyan — Zelarayán (Ranos, 60), Bichakhchyan (Sevikyan, 60), Barseghyan (Shagoyan, 79).

Portugal: Diogo Costa — Cancelo (Palhinha, 79), Dias, Inácio, Mendes (Tavares, 67) — Neves, Vitinha — Bruno Fernandes — Ronaldo (Ramos, 58), Neto (Trincão, 46), Félix (Gonçalves, 67).

Armenia will play its next match on September 9 in Yerevan against Ireland.

Hungary also competes in Group F and will face Ireland today.