This MATCH is Must-Win for Ronaldo's Team: Portugal 2026 World Cup Qualification Scenario

Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal team head into the final game of the UEFA World Cup qualification needing a win to keep their World Cup dream alive. Roberto Martinez's side, which made a perfect start to Group F, stumbled in the last two matches.

A draw and a defeat in back-to-back games left things in a fine balance. Although they lead the group heading into the final matchday, they could miss out on the automatic qualification with a defeat. Now the question of Portugal 2026 World Cup Qualification Scenario burns through Lisbon and beyond. Do not worry, Sportsdunia takes you through all the possible Portugal National Football Team World Cup Qualification scenarios.

Portugal 2026 World Cup Qualification Scenario

On the brink of the final matchday, the Portugal national football team leads Group F. They have 10 points from 5 games with 3 wins and a draw. Having scored 11 goals and conceded 6, they have the best goal difference in the group with +5. But with Hungary hot on their heels with 8 points, their final game against Armenia becomes a must-win to qualify directly for the World Cup.

Here is the Portugal 2026 World Cup Qualification Scenario breakdown:

• If they beat Armenia, they qualify directly for the World Cup.
• If they draw against Armenia, they need Hungary to either lose or draw against Ireland. They need Hungary to draw against Ireland for direct qualification. If Hungary wins against Ireland, they need the margin of victory to be less than three goals.

• If they lose against Armenia, they need Hungary not to win against Ireland. In case of an Irish victory in the Ireland-Hungary game, the margin of victory should not be greater than three goals.

  In the case of a draw and defeat with other results not going their way, the Portugal National Football Team World Cup Qualification will become complicated, as they have to play the Play-offs to qualify for the World Cup.

Portugal National Football Team World Cup Qualification

With so much hanging on the Armenia game, millions of eyes around the world will be glued to two games that determine the Portugal 2026 World Cup Qualification Scenario.

However, Portugal might take solace from the fact that they have never lost to Armenia. Armenia, ranked 104th in the world, has lost five games and drawn two games against Portugal in their history. They are at the bottom of the group with only three points. With only a victory against Ireland to their name, they conceded 10 goals and scored only twice. Portugal won the reverse fixture 5-0 and will be confident of getting the job done on home turf.

What Next for Cristiano Ronaldo?

Cristiano Ronaldo, unfortunately, won't be part of the must-win game for Portugal against Armenia. The 40-year-old saw a red card on Thursday in a crushing 2-0 defeat to Ireland. He was sent off for violent conduct for throwing an elbow at a defender. He is suspended for the Armenia game at least. An even greater suspension would result in him missing out on the possible playoffs or even the World Cup if Portugal qualifies.