Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal in 5-0 win over Armenia with emotional tributes to Diogo Jota
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal opened their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a dominant 5-0 victory over Armenia this Saturday. The result reinforced Roberto Martínez’s side as early favorites in Group F while honoring the memory of Diogo Jota.
CR7 decisive at 40 years old
At 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to deliver when it matters. His brace against Armenia highlighted his ability to turn Portugal’s superiority into goals, maintaining his record as the team’s talisman.
João Félix shines with confidence
Alongside Ronaldo, João Félix was another standout performer. The forward scored two goals, finding spaces between the lines and bringing fluidity to Portugal’s attack at a crucial stage in his club and international career.
Collective strength under Martínez
Beyond the individual stars, Portugal impressed as a collective unit. Roberto Martínez’s side played with:
- High intensity from the opening minutes
- Active fullbacks pushing forward
- Aggressive midfield pressing
Armenia, unable to withstand the constant pressure, rarely threatened Portugal’s dominance.
Emotional tributes to Diogo Jota
The match carried a special emotional tone following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota in a car accident. João Cancelo honored his former teammate with a video game-style celebration, a gesture that resonated deeply with both fans and players.
Rather than being weighed down by grief, Portugal turned Jota’s memory into motivation, channeling emotion into performance.
What’s next for Portugal?
While Armenia offered little resistance, tougher challenges lie ahead in the group stage. Upcoming matches against Ireland and Hungary will test whether Portugal can sustain this level.
If Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix maintain their form, Portugal could strike the perfect balance between experience and renewal on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
