Portugal’s starting lineup has been confirmed for the decisive World Cup 2026 qualifier against Armenia. In the final match of Group F, the national team’s fate is in its own hands, with a victory guaranteeing their place at the tournament.
Manager Roberto Martínez explained his team selection, emphasizing the freshness of his players. “We need to utilize our squad. Semedo and Cancelo each played 45 minutes and are full of energy, which is important in such demanding positions,” he told Canal 11. “Bruno Fernandes also comes in fresh, allowing us to leverage player connections and execute our game plan. A lot of it comes down to attitude, focus, and playing with joy, fueled by the strength of our supporters. We also have five high-quality players with different profiles on the bench.”
Reflecting on the recent loss to the Republic of Ireland, Martínez framed it as a crucial learning experience. “I’ve spoken about this. We won 10 games preparing for the Euros, but I felt the team wasn’t ready when we arrived. If we qualify for the World Cup now, this team will be better prepared. A difficult moment like the Ireland match, and the reaction to it, is a test. Today is our opportunity.”
He added, “It’s been a strange, six-game qualification phase. This is our final match, at home, with no need for calculators—today is simply about winning. It’s a testament to what these players have accomplished. Like in life, nothing comes easy. We are ready to show our fans what this team is capable of.”
Martínez also acknowledged the absence of key players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who was suspended after being sent off in Dublin. “We miss Cristiano for his experience, Nuno Mendes because he is special in his position, and Pedro Neto for the important quality he brings. However, it’s also essential to be able to win when players are unavailable. To win the World Cup, which is our ultimate goal, we must be a team that can secure victories even without some of our key players.”
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