Portugal have never lost to Armenia, winning four of six previous meetings, most-recently prevailing 1-0 in the Algarve and 3-2 in Yerevan during Euro 2016 qualifying; Cristiano Ronaldo with a hat-trick in the latter.
Armenia vs Portugal preview
After adding to their growing silverware collection during the summer, will Portugal lift the one trophy missing from their selection next July? Earlier this year, Roberto Martínez's team were crowned Nations League winners in Munich, first coming from a goal down to defeat hosts Germany 2-1 in the semi-finals; Francisco Conceição and then Cristiano Ronaldo with quick-fire goals. Then, in the final, they were twice behind again against Spain, only for Nuno Mendes and that man Ronaldo to equalise, before Portugal prevailed in the shootout; Rúben Neves converting the decisive kick.
So, having never won a major trophy previously, the Seleção das Quinas have now picked up a Euros title and two Nations Leagues in the last decade, among the favourites to go all the way at next year's World Cup too, despite having not gone further than the quarter-finals since 1966. Before then of course, Portugal need to qualify first, very much favourites to do so top of Group F, with Republic of Ireland and Hungary completing the quartet. Will Martínez's men make a winning start in Yerevan?
As for Armenia, they've never appeared at a major tournament, with this the start of their 16th qualification campaign, a fact that's unlikely to change soon. When last they were in competitive action in March, the Havakakan were demolished by Georgia in a Nations League play-off, hammered 3-0 at home and then 6-1 in Tbilisi, thereby remaining in League C. Then, after the June window, in which they were beaten 5-2 by Kosovo in Pristina and held to a 2-2 draw by Montenegro in Nikšić, both in friendlies, manager John van 't Schip was sacked after just these four games in charge.
His successor is Yegishe Melikyan, and the 46 year old takes on a difficult job to say the least. Armenia have won only five of their last 29 competitive fixtures, winning just two qualifiers since March 2021, when they began that campaign with three successive victories, before tailing off. They are odds on favourites to finish rock bottom of this group, but the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium will be packed to the rafters to see Ronaldo and friends, so can they cause a massive upset?
Armenia vs Portugal head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 6.
- Armenia Wins: Zero. Draws: 2. Portugal Wins: 4.
Armenia team news
New manager Yegishe Melikyan is without captain Varazdat Haroyan, who retired from international duty in June, leaving a rather large void at centre-back.
In terms of who will feature, goalkeeper Ognjen Čančarević has started the last 15 competitive internationals, dating back to his debut in Cardiff. Argentine-born Lucas Zelarayán is their primary creator, set to start alongside the naturalised Ugochukwu Iwu.
Armenia predicted lineup vs Portugal: (5-3-2): Čančarević; Hovhannisyan, Arutyunyan, Mkrtchyan, Muradyan, Tiknizyan; Iwu, Dashyan, Zelarayán; Ranos, Barseghyan.
Armenia player to watch vs Portugal
Striker Tigran Barseghyan has nine international goals to his name, albeit the most-recent of those came against Latvia over two years ago, so can he end this draught?
Portugal team news
Worth stating first and foremost that this'll be Portugal's first men's international since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, so expect tributes to be paid to the beloved forward taken too soon.
Meantime, Diogo Dalot has withdrawn due to injury, so João Cancelo will be at right-back, with PSG duo João Neves and Vitinha in midfield.
Further forward, Roberto Martínez boasts an embarrassment of riches, but Francisco Conceição's stunning equaliser against Germany in the summer could earn him another start, although Pedro Neto, João Félix and Bernardo Silva are not bad alternatives.
Portugal predicted lineup vs Armenia: (4-3-3): Costa; Cancelo, Inácio, Rúben Dias, Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Conceição, Neto, Ronaldo.
Portugal player to watch vs Armenia
Of Cristiano Ronaldo's 138 international goals, a world record, 77 have been scored in European qualifiers, netting five times against Armenia, only on target against five nations with greater frequency. Following his exploits in the Nations League, can the 40 year old score in a fourth successive international for the first time since June 2021?
Armenia vs Portugal prediction
We're forecasting a very comfortable Portugal victory in Yerevan, likely to swat a very limited Armenia team aisde at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium on Saturday: Armenia 0-3 Portugal.
Armenia vs Portugal FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Armenia vs Portugal in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Armenia vs Portugal in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Armenia vs Portugal in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Armenia vs Portugal in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Armenia vs Portugal in World Cup qualification?
Armenia vs Portugal takes place on Saturday 6 September 2025, with kick off at 17:00 (BST), 12:00 (EDT) & 9:00 (PDT).