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

Credit: IMAGO / Gurgen Hakobyan

Portugal booked their place at the 2026 World Cup with an emphatic 9–1 demolition of Armenia in Porto. The home team delivered a statement performance powered by hat-tricks from midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves. Cristiano Ronaldo was unavailable due to suspension following Thursday’s 2–0 loss to the Republic of Ireland.

But even without their captain, Roberto Martinez’s side delivered one of their most dominant displays of the campaign as they scored five times before the break and never looked back. Renato Veiga opened the scoring after Henri Avagyan pushed Fernandes’ free-kick onto the post. Armenia briefly equalised when Eduard Spertsyan bundled in after good play from Grant-Leon Ranos. That was as good as it got for the visitors.

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

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Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves Hat-Tricks Help Portugal Reach World Cup

Portugal immediately reasserted control, with PSG striker Goncalo Ramos pouncing on a defensive mistake for 2–1 before Neves fired in a low drive. Neves then scored a stunning free-kick in off the underside of the bar. A foul on Ruben Dias allowed Fernandes to make it 5–1 from the spot in first-half stoppage time.

Fernandes curled in his second just six minutes after the restart, and another penalty completed his hat-trick. Neves then joined him with a close-range finish after Nelson Semedo recycled a loose ball at the back post. Late chances came and went for Fernandes and Ramos, but Portugal did add a ninth in stoppage time when Francisco Conceicao drilled home left-footed to cap a ruthless display.

Bruno Fernandes and João Neves both dropped hat tricks in Portugal’s 9-1 win against Armenia.

Their first international hat tricks 🎩🎩 pic.twitter.com/lJD6hSiskq
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 16, 2025

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The victory ensured Portugal finished top of Group F to secure automatic qualification for their seventh consecutive World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be 41 when the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico next June, is expected to return for what would be a record sixth World Cup appearance. However, Ronaldo’s sending off against the Republic of Ireland means he will miss Portugal’s first two games of the World Cup.

2026 FIFA World Cup

Armenia

Portugal

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.