"Portugal recovered from a shock loss to Ireland on Thursday to qualify, while Norway is through for the first time since 1998. Portugal booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a 9-1 victory over Armenia on Sunday, while an Erling Haaland brace rubber-stamped Norway's place in the global showpiece as they romped to a 4-1 win in Italy. After being held by Hungary and then stunned by the Republic of Ireland last time out, Portugal sealed top spot in Group F at the third time of asking with a resounding win over bottom-side Armenia."
"In the absence of the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo, star midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves both scored hat-tricks as the Portuguese ran riot in Porto. Renato Veiga, Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Conceicao were also on the scoresheet. The most important thing was qualifying for the World Cup, Paris Saint-Germain linchpin Neves told RTP. For me, as I always say, the team always comes before the individual."
Portugal secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup by defeating Armenia 9-1 in Porto, sealing top spot in Group F. Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves each scored hat-tricks in the absence of suspended Cristiano Ronaldo. Renato Veiga, Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Conceicao also scored. Portugal will compete in a seventh consecutive World Cup. Ronaldo faces possible further suspension beyond the one-match ban he served against Armenia. Norway qualified for the first time since 1998 after a 4-1 win in Italy, with Erling Haaland scoring twice. Republic of Ireland clinched a playoff place as Troy Parrott scored a 96th-minute winner in a 3-2 victory over Hungary.
#2026-world-cup-qualification #portugal-national-team #norway-national-team #republic-of-ireland-playoffs
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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