Match Overview

The fifth-round match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament between the national teams of Armenia and Portugal is scheduled for September 6, taking place at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan. This preview offers an in-depth prediction, potential betting opportunities, key statistics, and analysis for the Armenia vs. Portugal encounter.

Armenia: Team Analysis

Armenia’s Qualification Journey

Group F is just commencing its qualification campaign. In the previous World Cup qualifiers, the Caucasian team showed a decent performance but ultimately finished in 4th place within their group, trailing North Macedonia, Romania, and Germany. Over 10 matches, Armenia secured 3 victories and 3 draws, suffering 4 defeats. Notably, the national team conceded an average of 2 goals per game. Heading into this fixture, Armenia carries a 7-match winless streak in World Cup qualifiers, comprising 3 draws and 4 losses.

Recent Coaching Change

Egishe Melikyan took over as the head coach of the national team in August.

• Armenia has scored no more than one goal in their last seven matches in this tournament.
• At least three goals were scored in 8 of Armenia’s last 11 home World Cup qualification matches.
• Both teams scored in 5 of the Caucasian team’s last 7 home World Cup qualification games.

Armenia: Probable Starting XI (4-3-3)

Ognjen Čančarević – Styopa Mkrtchyan, Kamo Hovhannisyan, Georgiy Harutyunyan, Edgar Grigoryan – Nair Tiknizyan, Ugochukwu Iwu, Artur Serobyan – Edgar Sevikyan, Tigran Barseghyan, Gor Manvelyan.

Portugal: Team Analysis

Portugal’s Recent Form and Qualification Record

While Armenia spent this year competing in the Nations League for promotion, Portugal was battling for the tournament trophy itself. In June, Roberto Martinez’s squad claimed the Nations League title, defeating Spain in a penalty shootout in the final. In the previous World Cup qualification campaign, Portugal finished second in their group, behind Serbia, with only 1 loss in 8 matches (5 wins and 2 draws). They also conceded the fewest goals in their group, with just 6.

• Portugal has secured 16 victories in their last 19 World Cup qualification matches (with 2 draws and 1 defeat).
• Portugal scored at least two goals in 7 of their previous 9 World Cup qualification encounters.
• Away from home in this tournament, the national team boasts an 8-match unbeaten streak, consisting of 6 wins and 2 draws.

Portugal: Probable Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

Diogo Costa – Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes, João Cancelo – Vitinha, Bernardo Silva – Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Francisco Conceição – Cristiano Ronaldo.

Match Referee

Referee Profile

Anthony Taylor (England)

Referee Statistics

Matches officiated – 12 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellow leading to red) – 51;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;

Red cards shown – 1;

Average fouls per match – 23;

Penalties awarded – 33%.

Armenia vs Portugal Match Prediction

Armenia’s Struggles Against Top Teams

The Armenian team consistently struggles when facing top European nations. In the previous World Cup qualifiers, even on home soil, they succumbed to Germany (1:4) and even North Macedonia (0:5). In an earlier campaign, they suffered heavy defeats at home against Poland (6:1) and Denmark (4:1). The Caucasian side would be better advised to focus on their matches against Hungary and Ireland, as these are the opponents against whom they might realistically contend for second place in the group.

Portugal’s Dominance in Qualifiers

Portugal typically encounters no difficulties in qualification rounds for major tournaments. Even when playing away, the team is capable of securing comfortable victories, with only strong mid-table teams posing a challenge – a category Armenia can hardly be placed in. For instance, in the previous World Cup qualifiers, Portugal decisively defeated Armenia’s neighbor, Azerbaijan, away from home (3:0). I anticipate that Portugal will secure another straightforward victory in this match, given their excellent current form and the absence of any significant injury concerns for key players.

Final Prediction

My prediction is “Portugal with a (-2) handicap” with odds of 1.70