How can Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal directly qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal can secure direct qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 by winning their upcoming matches against Ireland and Hungary in October 2025.

Portugal will play two Qualifiers matches in October. Image | Portugal on X

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal can secure direct qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 by achieving specific results in their upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 UEFA qualifying matches scheduled for October 2025. The process is straightforward but requires a combination of Portugal’s own victories and favorable results in other group fixtures.

Portugal’s path to direct qualification

Portugal, who are in Group F of the FIFA World Cup 2026 UEFA Qualifiers, have already won both of their matches in the qualifying stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo and company first defeated Armenia by 5-0, with Ronaldo scoring a brace. They then managed a narrow 3-2 win over Hungary, with Joao Cancelo scoring the 86th-minute winner for the Portuguese team.

Their next matches are against Ireland on 12th October(IST time) and Hungary on 15th October (IST time)

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Portugal have to win both games

For direct qualification, Portugal must win both of these matches decisively. Victories in these games will significantly boost Portugal's points total, putting them in the driver’s seat for the top spot in their qualifying group.

After the next two wins, Portugal will have 12 points after 4 games and will be leading Group F.

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But they depend on other results

While winning the upcoming matches is essential, Portugal’s direct qualification also hinges on results from other key fixtures:

This combination of Portugal securing six points from their matches and Armenia failing to capitalize on theirs creates a points gap that guarantees Portugal the group leader position and direct entry into the 2026 World Cup.

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What the qualification could mean for Ronaldo and Portugal

Securing early qualification will ease pressure on Portugal in their remaining group matches, allowing the team to focus on preparation for the World Cup itself.

For Cristiano Ronaldo, this is another chance to lead his national squad to the world’s biggest football stage, potentially extending his remarkable international legacy. This will be Portugal’s 9th appearance in FIFA World Cup history, while for Ronaldo, it will be his sixth FIFA World Cup, the most in history.

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