Portugal is gearing up for a critical match against Armenia in the 2026 Mundial qualifiers. The national team’s preparation follows a disappointing 2-0 loss to Ireland, which has prompted head coach Roberto Martínez to reflect on the squad’s performance.
Team Composition for the Upcoming Match
Martínez announced the roster for the upcoming match, featuring key players:
- Diogo Costa
- Nélson Semedo
- Rúben Dias
- Renato Veiga
- João Cancelo
- João Neves
- Vitinha
- Bruno Fernandes
- Bernardo Silva
- Gonçalo Ramos
- Rafael Leão
Notably absent from this lineup is Cristiano Ronaldo, who received a red card in the match against Ireland. As a result, he will miss the upcoming fixture. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is seeking to minimize his suspension through a formal appeal to FIFA.
Coach’s Reflections
In a recent interview, Martínez discussed the team’s need for self-criticism post-defeat. He emphasized that despite the disappointing outcome, the squad previously showcased their strength by winning ten consecutive matches to qualify for the European Championship.
Martínez stated, “The team was not ready for a tournament where resilience matters. However, the reaction in training has been positive, and energy levels are high.”
Home Advantage Against Armenia
Portugal will play at home, at Estádio do Dragão, which Martínez believes will offer a significant advantage. He remarked, “The strength of the Dragão is very special, and we are prepared to face Armenia.”
As the qualifiers progress, Portugal aims to regain momentum and capitalize on their home ground advantage. The match against Armenia will be pivotal for their aspirations in the Mundial 2026 qualifiers.
