Portugal lineup vs. Armenia: Predicted XI for 2026 World Cup qualifier

Cristiano Ronaldo is in contention to extend two national team records when Portugal travel to Armenia for their opening Group F fixture in 2026 World Cup qualifying on Saturday.

The 40-year-old Al-Nassr striker - Portugal’s all-time record goalscorer (138) and record appearance-maker (221) - has unsurprisingly been called up to Roberto Martinez’s 23-man squad and he is likely to lead the line as captain at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium.

Ronaldo has an impressive scoring record against Armenia, netting five goals in just four games, and he could be joined in attack by Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao - all three players started for Portugal when they beat Spain on penalties to lift the UEFA Nations League trophy in June.

Portugal’s clash with Armenia represents their first fixture since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, and in his honour, close friend Ruben Neves will wear Jota’s No.21 shirt number - a decision made by Jota’s family according to Martinez.

Neves is likely to battle with Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha for a start in the holding midfield role, while Manchester-based duo Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes are expected to retain their places in the middle of the pitch.

Diogo Dalot has withdrawn from the national team squad with a muscle injury, so Martinez will weigh up whether to select Joao Cancelo at right-back or stick with midfielder Joao Neves in the defensive role, where he began the Nations League final.

Goncalo Inacio and Antonio Silva will battle for a start at centre-back alongside Ruben Dias, and Nuno Mendes is set to continue at left-back, while Diogo Costa remains Martinez’s first-choice goalkeeper and is therefore expected to start between the sticks.

Portugal possible starting lineup: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes; Fernandes, R. Neves, Bernardo; Conceicao, Ronaldo, Neto