Ireland Portugal WCup Soccer Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the pitch after being shown a red card during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Ireland and Portugal in Dublin, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) (Peter Morrison/AP)
Portugal Armenia WCup Soccer A fan on the stands wears a scarf with a picture of Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo before a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Armenia in Porto, Portugal, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) (Luis Vieira/AP)
Portugal Armenia WCup Soccer Portugal's Bruno Fernandes scores his side's seventh goal from the penalty spot during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Armenia in Porto, Portugal, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) (Luis Vieira/AP)
Portugal Armenia WCup Soccer Portugal's Joao Neves celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Armenia in Porto, Portugal, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) (Luis Vieira/AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo is heading to another World Cup.
Portugal sealed its place at next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico with a 9-1 rout of Armenia on Sunday.
Ronaldo missed the match in Porto because of suspension — but in his absence, Portugal ensured he would have the chance to appear at a record sixth World Cup.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner will be 41 by the time the tournament kicks off next June and Ronaldo recently it would be his last shot at winning the one major title to elude him. Assuming he retains his fitness, he is expected to be part of coach Roberto Martinez's squad, though he may yet be suspended for as many as two matches after being sent off in Portugal's 2-0 loss to Ireland on Thursday.
That surprise defeat meant Portugal had to beat Armenia to be certain of top place in Group F and hat tricks from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves ensured there would be no slipup.
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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
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