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Armenia, still chasing its dream of reaching a FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history, faces a daunting test in Group F. Drawn alongside heavyweights Portugal, as well as strong European sides Hungary and Ireland, the Armenian national team finds itself in one of the toughest qualification groups.
Armenia’s Struggles in Recent Matches
Recent results have done little to inspire confidence. In June friendlies, Armenia fell 5–2 to Kosovo before managing a 2–2 draw with Montenegro. Earlier, in the March playoffs for promotion to UEFA Nations League B, the team suffered two punishing defeats against Georgia—0–3 in the first leg and 1–6 in the return. These performances highlighted the gulf between Armenia and Europe’s rising footballing nations.
The squad has also been shaken by the retirement of veteran defender Hovhannes Hambardzumyan (92 caps), a pillar of the national team for years. Other experienced names such as Arman Hovhannisyan, Muradyan, and Grigoryan are also missing from the latest call-up. That leaves coach Oleksandr Petrakov relying heavily on a younger generation. Among the standouts are Tigran Barseghyan (Slovan Bratislava, 9 goals in 60 appearances) and 22-year-old striker Grant-Leon Ranos of Borussia Mönchengladbach, who has already scored four goals in 17 caps. Eduard Spertsyan, recently signed by Borussia Dortmund, and Vahan Bichakhchyan also provide attacking spark.
Portugal’s Golden Opportunity
Portugal, by contrast, enters the campaign as one of the tournament favorites. Once a nation with no major titles, their fortunes changed dramatically during the Cristiano Ronaldo era. Since lifting the Euro 2016 trophy, they have added two UEFA Nations League titles, most recently defeating Germany and Spain in June. For Ronaldo, now 39, the 2026 World Cup represents the final chance to capture football’s ultimate prize.
Coach Roberto Martínez has retained the core of the side that triumphed in the Nations League. Ronaldo remains central, with his record-breaking tally of 138 international goals from 221 caps. Alongside him are Paris Saint-Germain’s Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, João Neves, and Nuno Mendes, plus the rejuvenated João Palhinha and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, a leader with 80 caps.
However, Portugal is not at full strength. Midfielder Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), defender Nuno Tavares (Lazio), and right-back Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahçe) are sidelined through injury. More poignantly, the squad has been affected by personal tragedy following the loss suffered by forward Diogo Jota’s family. Still, the depth of the Selecão ensures that quality replacements are available.
Prediction: Portugal Too Strong
Armenia’s defensive frailties and limited experience make this a near-impossible task against a Portugal side stacked with world-class talent. Historical form also points strongly in Portugal’s favor: in their last 15 away qualifiers, they rarely both scored and conceded, often keeping clean sheets. Meanwhile, Armenia’s recent home matches have also seen low-scoring trends, with goalkeepers registering clean sheets in six straight fixtures.
Portugal’s blend of veteran leadership and young dynamism should prove far too much for Armenia. For the Armenians, this match will be about damage limitation and building toward future fixtures, while Portugal continues its march toward another World Cup appearance.
Final Prediction: Armenia 0 – 3 Portugal
