Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his excitement after his team officially secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Portugal became the latest nation to book their ticket to the global showpiece following a dominant 9–1 victory over Armenia at the Estádio do Dragão on Sunday, joining 30 other nations that had already sealed qualification.

Ronaldo, who was unavailable for the match after picking up a red card in Portugal’s 2–0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland earlier in the week, watched from the sidelines as his teammates delivered one of their most ruthless performances in recent years.

In his absence, Portugal displayed remarkable depth and attacking brilliance. Goals came from Renato Veiga, Gonçalo Ramos, Francisco Conceição, Bruno Fernandes (3), and emerging star João Neves (3)—a performance that once again highlighted Portugal’s growing pool of young talent.

Shortly after the final whistle, Ronaldo took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the qualification, writing:
“WE’RE IN THE WORLD CUP! LET’S GO, PORTUGAL!”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, marking the first time in history that three nations will co-host the tournament.

Opinion: Portugal’s Win Proves Their Future Is Brighter Than Ever

Portugal’s emphatic victory over Armenia is more than just a qualification win—it is a message to the world. Even without Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the biggest name in football, the team showed frightening quality and depth.

Bruno Fernandes and João Neves were simply unstoppable, and Portugal’s midfield looked like a machine designed for efficiency and elegance. Young players like Neves stepping up with a hat-trick is a strong sign that Portugal is preparing for a future where success does not rely solely on Ronaldo’s heroics.

And yet, Ronaldo’s influence remains palpable. His celebration on X wasn’t just a routine post—it was a reminder of his leadership, passion, and undying connection to the national team. Even from the sidelines, he continues to set the tone.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, one thing is clear: Portugal is not just going to participate—they are going to compete. With a mix of experienced leaders and fearless young stars, this squad looks ready to make a genuine push on the world stage.

If this 9–1 performance is any indication, Portugal’s journey to 2026 is only just beginning—and the rest of the world should be paying close attention.