Ronaldo Shines with Brace as Portugal Begin FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers with Dominant Win

Summary – Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal crushed Armenia 5-0 in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 UEFA qualifiers.,

Article –

Portugal began their FIFA World Cup 2026 UEFA qualifiers with a resounding 5-0 victory against Armenia at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. Cristiano Ronaldo was the standout player, scoring twice and playing a key role in the team’s dominant performance on 7 September 2025.

Match Highlights

From early on, Portugal controlled the game with strong possession and multiple opportunities. Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a skillful finish inside the penalty area. Portugal continued to press and added two more goals before halftime, entering the break with a solid 3-0 lead.

In the second half, Ronaldo increased his goal tally in the 58th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box. Portugal capped off the match with a fifth goal in the 80th minute, securing an emphatic win to start their qualification campaign positively.

Key Statistics

• Final score: Portugal 5, Armenia 0
• Cristiano Ronaldo goals: 2 (minutes 15 and 58)
• Match date and venue: 7 September 2025, Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
• Total shots on target by Portugal: 12
• Possession: Portugal 68%, Armenia 32%

Reactions

Fernando Santos, Portugal’s head coach, praised his team and Ronaldo, saying, “Cristiano showed why he remains one of the best. The team executed our game plan perfectly, and this result lays a solid foundation for our qualifying campaign.”

Cristiano Ronaldo expressed satisfaction with the start, stating, “Starting with a victory is always important. I’m happy to contribute to the team’s success and we are determined to keep this momentum going.”

Vardan Minasyan, Armenia’s coach, reflected on the game, explaining, “It was a tough game against a very strong team. We need to learn from this experience and come back stronger in our next matches.”

Implications and Next Steps

This comprehensive win puts Portugal at the top of their UEFA qualifying group early, providing an advantage in the battle for automatic World Cup qualification. Their strong goal difference could prove crucial in tight standings.

Portugal’s next match is scheduled for 12 October 2025, when they face Luxembourg away. Meanwhile, Armenia will prepare to compete against Slovakia on the same day, aiming to bounce back after this defeat.

The UEFA qualifiers will continue over the coming months, as teams vie for places in the FIFA World Cup 2026, to be held in North America.

Stay tuned to SPACE SPORTS for ongoing coverage and updates from the world of sports.

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