This Sunday will deliver an finish to the motion in Group F of the European qualifiers. Portugal will face Armenia at dwelling, whereas concurrently Hungary and Eire meet in Budapest. With out Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Martinez’s staff will attempt to safe their spot within the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Of their final two matches, Portugal relied on themselves to succeed in the target, but nonetheless let the prospect slip away. In October, they have been beating Hungary within the World Cup qualifiers — a outcome that secured first place within the group — however a stoppage-time objective from Dominik Szoboszlai ruined the celebration.
And final Thursday in Eire, issues went terribly unsuitable. As soon as once more, Roberto Martinez’s staff stepped onto the sphere understanding {that a} win was sufficient to succeed in the World Cup spot. Nevertheless, the hosts shocked them with two objectives, after which Ronaldo was despatched off, which ended any chance of a comeback.
Now Portugal have a 3rd and ultimate likelihood to safe first place in Group F and, due to this fact, obtain direct qualification to the FIFA event that might be performed subsequent summer time in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Cristiano Ronaldo received’t play in opposition to Armenia as a result of suspension.
What occurs if Portugal beat Armenia?
In the event that they safe a win in opposition to Armenia this Sunday at Estadio Do Dragao in Porto, Portugal will attain 13 factors within the Group F standings and declare the highest spot. Meaning they may safe direct qualification for the World Cup 2026.
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What occurs if Portugal tie in opposition to Armenia?
If Portugal earn a draw at dwelling in opposition to Armenia, they may attain 11 factors within the standings and should anticipate what occurs in Budapest. If Hungary beat Eire, they may draw stage with Portugal on the prime of Group F.
In that case, the primary tiebreaker is objective distinction, the place Portugal maintain a +5 benefit. Hungary at the moment have +2, so that they would wish to win by no less than three objectives to maneuver forward of Ronaldo’s staff. If objective distinction can also be tied, the subsequent tiebreaker is head-to-head outcomes, the place Portugal have the benefit with one win and one draw.
What occurs if Portugal lose in opposition to Armenia?
Within the unlikely occasion that Portugal lose to the weakest staff within the group, they should anticipate the results of the opposite match. If Hungary win, they may qualify immediately for the World Cup, and Portugal should play the European playoff in March.
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If Eire win in Budapest, they are going to be tied with Portugal at 10 factors every, and the identical tiebreaker guidelines talked about earlier would apply. Lastly, if Hungary and Eire draw, Portugal will qualify for the World Cup even when they lose to Armenia, and Hungary would play the March playoff.
