On Sunday, November 16, 2025, Portugal booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World CupUnited States, Canada, and Mexico with a staggering 9-1 thrashing of Armenia at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon — the largest win in World Cup qualifying history for the national team. And the most astonishing part? They did it without Cristiano Ronaldo. The 40-year-old legend, suspended after a controversial red card in the 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland just three days earlier, watched from the stands as his teammates delivered a statement performance that silenced doubters — again.
Leadership Without the Captain
For years, the narrative around Portugal’s national team has revolved around one man: Ronaldo. His goals, his presence, his aura. But when he was sidelined — suspended for a second yellow card in the 89th minute of the Ireland match, upgraded to a straight red after VAR review — questions flew. Could Portugal still win without him? Could they even score nine goals?
The answer came in waves. Roberto Martinez, the Spanish tactician who took over as head coach in 2023, didn’t just survive without Ronaldo — he thrived. In his post-match press conference, Martinez didn’t just praise the goals; he pointed to the leaders. "This shows the quality and personality we have in the squad," he said. "The players stepped up when it mattered and proved we can be lethal even without our captain and all-time leading scorer."
He singled out Bruno Fernandes, the fiery Manchester United playmaker who orchestrated the attack with three assists. Rúben Dias, the calm center-back from Manchester City, anchored a defense that didn’t just hold firm — they launched attacks from the back. And Bernardo Silva, the elusive attacking midfielder, danced through Armenia’s lines like he was in a training drill.
Even Nuno Mendes, Martinez’s "best left-back," didn’t start. Yet Portugal still created 27 shots, 14 on target. The team didn’t just win — they dismantled. And they did it with a system that didn’t rely on one superstar.
Armenia’s Moment in the Spotlight
The Football Federation of Armenia arrived in Lisbon after a surprising 2-0 win over Iceland just 72 hours before. Their confidence was palpable. Their striker, Yegishe Meliksetyan, opened the scoring in the 37th minute — a rare bright spot in what became a nightmare. It was Armenia’s first goal against Portugal in World Cup qualifying since 2009.
But after that, the floodgates opened. Portugal scored six goals in the final 23 minutes of the first half alone. By halftime, it was 7-1. The home crowd, many of whom had come to mourn Ronaldo’s absence, ended up celebrating something far more profound: the birth of a new identity.
A New Era, Not a Last Hurrah
It’s easy to assume this was Ronaldo’s final chapter. He’s 40. He’s played 196 international matches. He’s scored 128 goals — more than any man in history. But Martinez was quick to shut down the narrative. "We’re better with Cristiano Ronaldo," he insisted. "But tonight showed we don’t need him to be great."
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed this win secured Portugal’s 10th World Cup appearance — and their seventh consecutive. Their streak began in 2002. They’ve reached the semifinals (2006) and the final four (2022). But they’ve never won since 1966, when Eusébio led them to third place with nine goals. Now, with a 48-team tournament looming in 2026, the ambition has shifted.
"We’re going there to win it," Martinez declared. Not "to compete." Not "to make history." To win. That’s the new standard.
What’s Next for Ronaldo and Portugal?
Ronaldo’s suspension was always temporary. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed he’ll return for the UEFA Nations League clash against Italy at the San Siro Stadium on March 25, 2026. But this match in Lisbon wasn’t just about filling his boots — it was about proving the boots don’t need him to fit.
The 2026 World Cup will be his last. That’s clear. But whether he’s the centerpiece or a veteran presence on the bench, Portugal’s trajectory has changed. The team isn’t just surviving without him — it’s evolving beyond him.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This isn’t just about a win. It’s about the end of an era — not in the sense of collapse, but of transformation. For two decades, Portugal’s identity was tied to Ronaldo’s brilliance. Now, the next generation has shown they can carry the weight. The team isn’t just deeper; it’s more dangerous. More balanced. More unpredictable.
When Spain topped Group A with 28 points and Portugal finished second with 25, few expected the gap to be bridged by a 9-1 rout. But that’s what happened. And now, the world knows: Portugal doesn’t need a single star to be a threat. They have a squad. A system. A belief.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Portugal qualify for the 2026 World Cup without Ronaldo scoring?
Portugal secured qualification by finishing second in Group A with 25 points from 10 matches (7 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss), behind Spain’s 28 points. Their historic 9-1 win over Armenia — their largest ever in World Cup qualifying — was the decisive result that sealed their spot, even without Ronaldo’s goals. The team’s depth allowed multiple players to step up, with Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and others combining for 13 goals across the final three qualifiers.
Why was Cristiano Ronaldo suspended for the Armenia match?
Ronaldo received a second yellow card in the 89th minute of Portugal’s 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland on November 13, 2025. After a VAR review, the referee upgraded the second yellow to a straight red for a foul on defender John Egan. FIFA rules mandate an automatic one-match suspension for a red card in World Cup qualifying, meaning he missed the Armenia game but is eligible to return for Portugal’s next fixture in March 2026.
What does this result mean for Portugal’s World Cup chances in 2026?
The 9-1 win proved Portugal’s squad depth is elite, not dependent on Ronaldo. With a 48-team format in 2026, the tournament will be more open than ever. Martinez’s side now has the tactical flexibility and leadership to compete with giants like Brazil, France, and Spain. Their goal isn’t just to advance — it’s to win, as Martinez made clear. This performance signals they’re no longer just a team with a great player — they’re a team built to win.
Is this the end of Ronaldo’s international career?
At 40, the 2026 World Cup in North America is widely expected to be Ronaldo’s final international tournament. He’s already the all-time leading scorer and appearance holder for any national team. While he’ll return for the March 2026 Nations League match against Italy, his role in the World Cup may shift to mentorship. The team’s performance without him suggests he’ll be a symbolic figure — not a necessity — which could make his final tournament even more emotional.
How does Portugal’s 2026 qualification compare to past campaigns?
This is Portugal’s seventh straight World Cup appearance, dating back to 2002. Their best finish remains third in 1966, led by Eusébio. In 2006, they reached the semifinals; in 2022, they were eliminated in the round of 16. This time, with a deeper squad, younger talent, and a manager who trusts structure over stars, Portugal is positioned better than ever to go beyond their 1966 legacy — even if Ronaldo isn’t the one carrying the load.
What impact does this have on other European teams?
Other top nations — especially those relying on aging stars like France’s Benzema or Germany’s Müller — are watching closely. Portugal’s ability to dominate without their talisman signals a shift in international football: the era of the one-man team is fading. Teams with strong midfield control, tactical discipline, and depth are becoming the new standard. Spain, France, and England are already building similarly, but Portugal’s 9-1 win is the most dramatic proof yet that the future doesn’t need legends — it needs systems.
