Milan, Nov. 16 (LaPresse) – Portugal crushed Armenia 9-1 and secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The Portuguese national team finished first in Group F with 13 points, ahead of Hungary in second with 9 points, which, thanks to a 2-2 draw against Ireland (third with 8 points), advances to the playoffs. At the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal was dominant from the first half with a goal from former Juventus player Renato Veiga, followed by goals from Gonzalo Ramos, Bruno Fernandes from the penalty spot, and a brace from Neves. Armenia briefly equalized through Spertsyan. In the second half, the Portuguese team ran riot with two more goals from Bruno Fernandes, including another penalty, completing his hat-trick. Neves also completed his personal treble in the final minutes, while the ninth goal was scored by Juventus player Conceicao. Notably, AC Milan’s Rafa Leao started the match. Absent due to suspension, Cristiano Ronaldo still secured the certainty of playing in his sixth and final World Cup.