Cristiano Ronaldo was the most important absence in Portugal’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup on Sunday after a crushing 9–1 win over Armenia. With such a dominant efficiency regardless of lacking their largest star, head coach Roberto Martinez addressed Ronaldo’s position within the squad.
After a disappointing 2–0 loss to the Republic of Eire on Thursday, Portugal wanted a win to keep away from placing its World Cup hopes in jeopardy. After greater than 20 minutes with the match nonetheless stage, Portugal discovered its rhythm, and behind hat tips from João Neves and Bruno Fernandes rolled to a 9–1 win over Armenia, taking the highest of Group F with 13 factors and reaffirming its standing as a critical contender heading into the event.
Requested after the match whether or not Portugal is a distinct staff, coach Martinez was direct: “No, we’re higher with Ronaldo, Nuno Mendes, and Pedro Neto. Crucial factor is that soccer is a recreation of errors, challenges, and resilience, and when some gamers are usually not current, we have now to discover a method to win.”
Together with Ronaldo’s absence, the Spanish coach additionally emphasised the losses of Mendes and Neto, key members of the Portugal squad that gained the 2025 UEFA Nations League. Each the left again and winger had been omitted of the November call-up as a result of accidents, two important absences that Martinez thought of influential.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts after being proven a pink card following VAR assessment.
The coach then used the chance to spotlight the worth of rotation and constructing confidence in the remainder of the squad. “I consider the hot button is to have all of the essential gamers, but in addition to believe and a transparent concept that we will win even when some gamers are usually not within the beginning lineup,” Martinez concluded.
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Will Ronaldo miss the 2026 World Cup debut?
Ronaldo’s pink card has raised considerations inside the nationwide staff, not for lacking the match in opposition to Armenia, however for the chance that the suspension may prolong to the World Cup opener. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened a file concerning Ronaldo’s elbow on Dara O’Shea, however the Portugal nationwide staff shall be hoping to stop the scenario from escalating.
President of the Portuguese Soccer Federation Pedro Proença addressed Ronaldo’s suspension, setting expectations for followers: “The Portuguese Soccer Federation and I’ll do our utmost to make sure that Cristiano’s punishment is as minimal as potential. Now we have already analyzed the scenario legally, and it’s important to grasp the mitigating circumstances.”
The ultimate choice from FIFA is predicted after the November worldwide break, both on the finish of the month or in early December, in accordance with A Bola. With this in thoughts, the federation president stays wanting to see Ronaldo obtainable for Matchday 1 of the 2026 World Cup. “We strongly hope that the punishment shall be acceptable and temporary. All of us want for Cristiano to be obtainable for the primary match of the World Cup,” he concluded.
