their seventh consecutive presence at the biggest event in world football since 2002. Qualification was sealed in the win over Armenia (9-1), a result that reflects the strength of the team with Roberto Martínez, champion of the last Nations League last summer, precisely in the final against Spain.
Since his arrival in January 2023, the Spanish coach has achieved stability and continuity, reaching historical records: 15 qualifying matches without losing with Portugal, 11 consecutive victories and a winning percentage in official matches of 70.9%. Furthermore, his average is 2.66 goals per game.
The combination of individual talent and collective cohesion has allowed Portugal to manage the classification even without its highest standard: Cristiano Ronaldo, sanctioned after his expulsion against Ireland last Thursday. The Portuguese Federation has begun CR7’s defense before the UEFA Disciplinary Committee, seeking to limit the suspension to a single match – already served against Armenia – and guarantee his participation from the start of the World Cup.
CR7’s institutional defense underlines the ambition to keep the squad intact in the tournament and ensure that the team’s leaders are available from the start. Portugal will appear in the United States not only as a guaranteed participant, but as an organized, confident team with the resources to aspire to its first world title.
with two goals from Haaland for the visitors. The Nordic team thus reaffirmed its first position in the group with 24 points to the 18 of the Azzurri, who will go to the play-offs.
