Portugal and Armenia face off in a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Qualifier, with the hosts hoping for a shock result and the visitors seeking a strong start in Group F. Here’s a comprehensive preview, including confirmed squads, tactical outlook, and match context.
Match Context
This match, held at Vazgen Sargsyan anvan Hanrapetakan Marzadasht in Yerevan, marks the opening round for both sides in the qualifying campaign. Portugal are strong favorites, but Armenia—ranked 105th globally—aims to impress their home crowd against one of Europe’s elite. Tributes are expected for Portugal’s Diogo Jota, whose sudden passing this summer has cast a somber shadow over the occasion.
Confirmed Lineups
Armenia (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper: Henri Avagyan
Defenders: Erik Piloyan, Georgiy Arutiunian, Sergey Muradyan, Nair Tiknizyan
Midfielders: Kamo Hovhannisyan, Ugochukwu Iwu, Eduard Spertsyan, Vahan Bichakhchyan
Forwards: Tigran Barseghyan, Lucas Zelarayan
Unavailable: Norberto Briasco, Styopa Mkrtchyan (injuries); former captain Varazdat Haroyan (retired).
Substitutes
Artak Dashyan
Arsen Beglaryan
Grant-Leon Ranos
Zhirayr Shaghoyan
Narek Aghasaryan
Edgar Sevikyan
Edgar Grigoryan
Albert Khachumyan
Erik Simonyan
Hovhannes Harutyunyan
Ognjen Cancarevic
Portugal (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Inacio, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Vitinha
Forwards: Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo (captain), Joao Félix
Unavailable: Rafael Leao (injury), Diogo Dalot (injury; Nuno Tavares called up).
Notable Bench Options
Francisco Conceição
Bernardo Silva
Nuno Tavares
Tactical Analysis
Armenia’s Approach
Armenia, led by coach Yegishe Melikyan, is expected to be deeply organized defensively, primarily utilizing a back four with ball-winners in midfield. The creative spark comes from Lucas Zelarayán and Eduard Spertsyan, who must feed Barseghyan up front. With several young and dual-nationality players in the squad, Armenia hopes to hit Portugal on the counter and exploit any complacency.
Portugal’s Gameplan
Under Roberto MartÃnez, Portugal employs a dynamic 4-3-3. Cristiano Ronaldo, even at age 40, remains the focal point, supported by the pace of Pedro Neto and skill of Joao Félix. The midfield trio provides balance and transition, while the full-backs—Cancelo and Mendes—will push high up the pitch. Portugal’s depth means plenty of options off the bench to break a possible Armenian defensive wall.
Key Storylines
Cristiano Ronaldo: With a world-record 138 international goals, he’s found the net five times against Armenia before and continues to chase new milestones at age 40.
Tribute to Diogo Jota: Expect a moment of silence and visible remembrances before kickoff, as Portugal honors their late teammate.
Historic Underdogs: Armenia has never qualified for a major tournament but will rely on passionate home support hoping for a historic upset.
Head-to-Head
Portugal has won all their recent meetings with Armenia in competitive fixtures—most recently in 2015, with Ronaldo scoring a hat-trick.
Predicted Result
Football analysts widely expect Portugal to win, with Armenia’s defensive setup likely to frustrate but not contain the visitors’ attacking talent. Predictions hover around a 3-1 result in favor of Portugal.
Armenia vs Portugal: Probable Lineups
Armenia Portugal
H. Avagyan (GK) D. Costa (GK)
E. Piloyan J. Cancelo
G. Arutiunian G. Inácio
S. Muradyan R. Dias
N. Tiknizyan N. Mendes
K. Hovhannisyan B. Fernandes
U. Iwu J. Neves
E. Spertsyan Vitinha
V. Bichakhchyan P. Neto
T. Barseghyan C. Ronaldo
L. Zelarayan J. Félix
Portugal will look to begin their qualifying campaign with strength and unity, while Armenia aims to spring one of the biggest surprises of the round.