Ronaldo only has himself to blame for his absence against Armenia. The 40-year-old was handed his first international red card on his 226th appearance last time out, letting his frustrations get the better of him during Portugal’s shock 2–0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland.

Ronaldo has featured at all of those so far except the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. He has made 22 appearances for Portugal at World Cups, putting him fifth on the all-time list behind, Italy’s Paulo Maldini (23), Germany’s Miroslav Klose (24), Lothar Matthaus (25) and Messi (26).

Portugal defeated Armenia 9-1 this Sunday (16th) at Estádio do Dragão, securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup.Bruno Fernandes and João Neves both achieved a HAT-TRICK. Renato Veiga, Gonçalo

Portugal booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a 9-1 victory over Armenia on Sunday, while an Erling Haaland brace rubber-stamped Norway's place in the global showpiece as they romped to a 4-1 win in Italy.

Portugal and Armenia faced each other in Matchday 6 of the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, they delivered an impressive 9-1 victory to seal their spot in the anticipated tournament with a hattrick from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves.

Portugal booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a 9-1 victory over Armenia on Sunday, while an Erling Haaland brace rubber-stamped Norway’s place

Aerial footage showed flooding in Monmouth, with water inundating the town center and residential areas after a nearby river burst its banks.

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a message of support to his Portugal team-mates ahead of their meeting with Armenia. The Selecao currently top Group F ahead of the final round of World Cup qualification games but defeat to Ireland on Thursday means they need to win to book their trip stateside next summer.