Bruno Fernandes and João Neves both score hat-tricks
Result seals top spot above Ireland in Group F
Portugal qualified for the 2026 World Cup on Sunday with a 9-1 hammering of Armenia in Porto that included hat-tricks from both Bruno Fernandes and João Neves. The reigning Nations League champions were forced to wait to book an automatic spot after losing 2-0 to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday in a game where their captain Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off.
However, Roberto Martínez’s side needed no help from their all-time top scorer in a one-sided match that assured them top spot in Group F with 13 points, giving Ronaldo the opportunity to play at a record sixth World Cup.
“The most important thing was qualifying for the World Cup. For me, as I always say, the team always comes before the individual,” Neves told RTP after opening his account for Portugal. “I’m very happy to have scored my first goal for the national team, and my second and third as well. I’m happy to be able to share the pitch with great players and a great team.“
