Portugal Kicks Off World Cup Qualifiers in Emotional Clash Against Armenia

Portugal begins its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign this Saturday in Yerevan, facing Armenia for the first time since 2015. This match carries significant emotional weight as it marks the Seleção’s first outing since the tragic passing of former Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.

Jota was a key figure in Portugal’s triumphant 2024–25 UEFA Nations League campaign, where they clinched the title by defeating Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout in June. The Nations League success postponed the start of their World Cup qualifiers, placing Portugal in a competitive four-nation group alongside Hungary, the Republic of Ireland, and their upcoming opponents, Armenia.

Armenia, currently ranked 105th in the world by FIFA, has never qualified for a major international tournament since gaining independence in 1991. They face a formidable challenge against a Portuguese side brimming with talent and a renewed sense of purpose.

Match Details: Kick-Off Time and Venue

• Location: Yerevan, Armenia
• Stadium: Vazgen Sargsyan anvan Hanrapetakan Marzadasht
• Date: Saturday, September 6
• Kick-off Time: Midday ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
• Referee: Anthony Taylor (ENG)
• VAR: Peter Bankes (ENG)

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Portugal holds a dominant record against Armenia, having won four of their last five encounters, with one draw. Their most recent clash was a thrilling 3-2 victory for Portugal during the Euro 2016 Qualifiers on June 13, 2015.

• Armenia Wins: 0
• Portugal Wins: 4
• Draws: 1
• Last Meeting: Armenia 2–3 Portugal (June 13, 2015) – Euro 2016 Qualifier

Current Form (All Competitions)

Portugal enters this match in strong form, highlighted by their Nations League triumph. Armenia, however, has struggled, going winless in their last four matches.

Armenia

• Montenegro 2–2 Armenia – 09/06/25
• Kosovo 5–2 Armenia – 06/06/25
• Georgia 6–1 Armenia – 23/03/25
• Armenia 0–3 Georgia – 20/03/25
• Latvia 1–2 Armenia – 17/11/24

Portugal

• Portugal 2–2 (5–3p) Spain – 08/06/25
• Germany 1–2 Portugal – 04/06/25
• Portugal 5–2 Denmark – 23/03/25
• Denmark 1–0 Portugal – 20/03/25
• Croatia 1–1 Portugal – 18/11/24

Where to Watch: Broadcast Information

Fans around the globe can catch the action. Here’s a quick guide:

• United States: fuboTV, ViX, Fox Soccer Plus
• United Kingdom: Amazon Prime Video
• Canada: DAZN Canada, Amazon Prime Video
• Mexico: Sky+, Sky Sports Mexico

For a comprehensive list of international broadcasters, refer to Sports Mole’s guide.

Team News and Lineups

Armenia: Navigating Without Key Stars

Armenia’s squad, led by Yeghishe Melikyan, faces challenges with key absences. Star midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan retired from international football in 2022, leaving a significant void. This month, Narek Grigoryan is out due to injury, and Norberto Briasco is sidelined with a personal issue. However, there’s good news with the return of Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Grant-Leon Ranos to the squad, and 22-year-old centre-back Styopa Mkrtchyan is expected to be fit despite an early-season fitness setback.

Armenia Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Čančarević; Hovhannisyan, Mkrtchyan, Arutyunyan, Muradyan, Tiknizyan; Iwu, Dashyan; Bichakhchyan, Zelarayan; Barseghyan

Portugal: Ronaldo Leads a Star-Studded Squad

Roberto Martinez’s 23-man Portugal squad is once again packed with world-class talent. Cristiano Ronaldo, the evergreen captain, will continue to lead the line, supported by an exceptional cast. This includes four recent Champions League winners, notably João Neves, who is in scintillating form after scoring a remarkable hat-trick for Paris Saint-Germain against Toulouse last weekend.

However, Portugal is not without its own injury concerns. Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot has withdrawn due to a muscle injury, and AC Milan’s Rafael Leão was not selected due to a calf issue.

Portugal Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inácio, Mendes; Vitinha, J. Neves; B. Silva, Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo.

Score Prediction: A Comfortable Start for Portugal

Portugal’s recent success in the Nations League, where they overcame footballing giants like Germany and Spain, underscores their status as one of the most talented teams in international football. While they haven’t replicated their Euro 2016 triumph on the biggest stages since, their current squad depth and form are undeniable.

Armenia, on the other hand, has struggled for consistency and results, remaining winless in their last four matches. They are unlikely to pose a significant threat to a motivated Portuguese side. Roberto Martinez’s team is expected to commence their World Cup qualifying campaign with a convincing victory.

Prediction: Armenia 0–3 Portugal