No Cristiano Ronaldo, No Problem! How Are Portugal Faring Without Their Star?

Credits: IMAGO / Pressinphoto

Portugal secured their ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a ruthless 9-1 demolition of Armenia. On the way, they proved that they can thrive even without suspended captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The win came at the perfect moment, easing the frustration of a draw against Hungary and a shock defeat to Ireland earlier in the window.

With qualification on the line, Roberto Martinez’s side produced one of their most attack-minded displays in years. The night belonged to Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and PSG sensation Joao Neves. Each of them delivered commanding hat-tricks and orchestrated almost everything Portugal created.

Mundial, aqui vamos nós! 🏆🌍 #FazHistória | @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/aLqgxmskGM
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 16, 2025

Renato Veiga set the tone inside the opening minutes by reacting quickest to a rebounded free-kick. However, Armenia briefly found hope through Eduard Spertsyan’s equaliser. That was the final moment of balance. Portugal’s response was immediate and relentless. Goncalo Ramos restored the lead soon after.

He pressed the Armenian backline into a mistake. Neves immediately exploded into life shortly after. He first guided in a composed strike from Fernandes’ pass. Then he curled in a thunderous free-kick that left the goalkeeper rooted. Fernandes added another before halftime from the spot. And Portugal entered the break already cruising.

Also Read: Portugal 9–1 Armenia: Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves Hit Hat-Tricks As Selecao Clinch World Cup Spot in Style

Martinez’s men pushed even harder in the second half. Fernandes finished a sharp move before knocking in yet another penalty. Neves also completed his hat-trick from close range. Finally Francisco Conceicao’s late drive ensured Portugal ended the night with nine different goals, proving their evolving attacking prowess.

Portugal Without Cristiano Ronaldo in Stats

Ronaldo’s absence inevitably reignited debates surrounding Portugal’s balance and identity without their ace and all-time top scorer. Since the 2022 World Cup, Portugal have played 36 matches, with Ronaldo featuring in 30. In those games, the team have won 70% of their fixtures and averaged 2.2 goals per match.

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In the six games he has missed, the win rate dips slightly to 66.6%. However, the scoring rate soared to 4.8 goals per game. It’s a credit largely to two extraordinary outliers: the 9–0 win over Luxembourg in 2023 and now the 9–1 destruction of Armenia. It’s clear that statistics alone can’t tell the entire story.

Ronaldo remains a pivotal figure who has contributed 25 goals in 30 appearances since Qatar 2022. Yet Portugal’s display in Porto showed the squad’s increasing tactical flexibility and goal-scoring options, even when their biggest superstar is unavailable. With qualification secured, Portugal now head to the World Cup full of confidence.

2026 World Cup

Armenia

Bruno Fernandes

Cristiano Ronaldo

Joao Neves

Portugal

UEFA

World Cup qualification

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.