Cristiano Ronaldo is officially on the brink of history once again. Portugal has secured its spot in next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico after a commanding 9-1 victory over Armenia on Sunday — a win that guarantees Ronaldo the opportunity to compete in an unprecedented sixth World Cup.
Although Ronaldo missed the match due to suspension, his absence didn’t stop Portugal from powering through. The five-time Ballon d’Or champion, who will be 41 when the tournament begins next June, has expressed that this World Cup will likely be his final attempt to capture the one title that has eluded him throughout an extraordinary career.
If he maintains his fitness, Ronaldo is expected to join Roberto Martinez’s final squad, though he could still face up to a two-match ban after a red card during Portugal’s 2-0 loss to Ireland earlier in the week.
Portugal’s defeat to Ireland had created unexpected tension, making the Armenia match a must-win for the top spot in Group F. Fortunately, hat tricks from Bruno Fernandes and rising star Joao Neves ensured Portugal stayed in control from start to finish.
Meanwhile, Hungary missed its chance to overtake Portugal after Ireland produced a stunning late comeback in Budapest, winning 3-2 thanks to Troy Parrott’s sensational hat trick — including an equalizer in the 80th minute and a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time.
A New Chapter in Football History
If Ronaldo and Lionel Messi compete next year, both legends will enter their sixth World Cup — surpassing Germany’s Lothar Matthäus, who held the previous record with five. Messi has already secured his World Cup dream with Argentina’s 2022 triumph in Qatar, and now all eyes turn to Ronaldo, who seeks to complete his monumental trophy collection.
Even as Ronaldo plays outside Europe’s top leagues, he continues to break records and elevate Portugal on the global stage. Earlier this year, he led his nation to the Nations League title and recently became the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying with 41 goals.
While his suspension kept him from adding more to that tally, his teammates delivered in spectacular fashion. Fernandes scored twice from the spot and once from open play, while Neves completed a brilliant treble, showcasing the rising strength of Portugal’s next generation.
Ireland’s Unforgettable Comeback
Ireland’s week was nothing short of extraordinary. After defeating Portugal earlier, the team secured its playoff spot with a never-say-die win over Hungary. Parrott, the hero once again, scored five goals in two matches — proving to be Ireland’s spark, leader, and finisher when it mattered most.
With the clock ticking down and Ireland trailing 2-1, Parrott equalized with a beautiful lift over goalkeeper Denes Dibusz before tapping in the winner in added time. It was a moment of pure resilience, marking Ireland’s rise as a team that refuses to fade.
