Armenia vs Portugal – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Portugal host Armenia this weekend in their first FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota in July.

Rúben Neves has inherited the no.21 shirt from the former Liverpool forward and has revealed a tattoo on his left calf in honour of his late friend.

Following their UEFA Nations League triumph, Portugal have been pitted against Hungary and Ireland as well as Armenia in Group F.

Hosts Armenia seek a historic upset on home soil to kick-start their own qualification bid.

Armenia vs Portugal – Match preview and team news

Armenia team news

Head coach Yegishe Melikyan has named a 23-man squad, led by creative midfielder Eduard Spertsyan, whose form for Krasnodar has been key this season.

Defenders Nair Tiknizyan and Vahan Bichakhchyan return after club commitments, reinforcing a backline marshalled by goalkeeper Henri Avagyan. Midfielders Edgar Sevikyan and Lucas Zelarayan offer flair and control, while forwards Grant-Leon Ranos and Tigran Barseghyan provide pace and finishing.

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Portugal team news

AC Milan star Rafael Leao has been ruled out with a calf injury, while Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot was forced to withdraw from the squad with a muscle problem. he has been replaced by Nuno Tavares.

Goalkeepers Diogo Costa, Rui Silva and José Sá are competing for the gloves. The defence features João Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Mendes, Rúben Dias and António Silva. Bruno Fernandes, João Palhinha, Bernardo Silva and Vitinha anchor midfield, while the attack boasts Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos among others, blending experience and youth in a versatile 4-3-3.

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Form

Armenia: WLLLD

Armenia have gone four matches without a win and that is likely to become five after Saturday.

Portugal: DLWWW

Portugal come into the qualifiers following success in the Nations League in which they lifted the trophy after defeating Spain on penalties.

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Predicted lineups

Armenia: Avagyan; Tiknizyan, Papikyan, Baboghlanian, Mkrtchyan; Sevikyan, Spertsyan, Zelarayan; Barseghyan, Ranos, Yedigaryan

Portugal: Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Dias, António Silva, Nuno Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, João Félix.

How to watch Armenia vs Portugal?

UK viewers can catch live coverage on Premier Sports 1, with streaming available via the Premier Player app.

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