WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo scores brace as Portugal lead Armenia in World Cup qualifier

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New Delhi: Portugal opened their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in style, racing to a commanding lead against Armenia. The night once again belonged to Cristiano Ronaldo, who struck twice to put his team firmly in control and edge closer to yet another piece of football history. Not just that he also dedicated his goal to his teammate Diogo Jota who died in a car accident.

Roberto Martinez’s side wasted little time as within 10 minutes Joao Felix rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Joao Cancelo, setting the tone for what was to come. Just minutes later, Ronaldo got on the scoresheet as Joao Pedro whipped in a delivery from the right, and the veteran forward, perfectly placed inside the box making no mistake with the finish.

Armenia, cheered on by a spirited home crowd, found themselves overwhelmed by Portugal’s pace and precision. Cancelo then turned scorer in the 30th minute, unleashing a fierce strike that left goalkeeper Henri Avagyan rooted to the spot as the visitors cruised into a three-goal advantage.

As the second half kicked off Ronaldo showed no sign of stopping as within a minute the Al Nassr star pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box. Without hesitation, he fired a thumping right-footed shot that curled into the far corner, underlining his enduring brilliance at the highest level.

That second goal not only stretched Portugal’s lead but also pushed Ronaldo to 38 World Cup qualifying goals, lifting him past long-time rival Lionel Messi’s tally of 36.

Another record within reach

Ronaldo’s brace leaves him just one strike shy of the all-time record for goals in World Cup qualifiers, currently held by Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz with 39. Though he has already set the benchmark for most goals in European qualifying history, the Portuguese captain looks poised to claim yet another record with several matches still to play before the 2026 finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

What’s next for Portugal?

With victory against Armania, Portugal will move top of Group F, though Ireland’s clash with Hungary could shape the standings further. Martinez’s men won’t have long to bask in their strong start as they travel to face Hungary on Tuesday in a key early test. Meanwhile, Armenia will look to regroup quickly as they prepare to host Ireland.