PARIS (Kashmir English): Portugal and Norway have secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the former beating Armenia 9-1 on Sunday.
After being held by Hungary and then stunned by Republic of Ireland last time out, Portugal secured top spot in Group F at the third time of asking with a convincing win over bottom-side Armenia.
Norway also qualified for the next year’s World Cup on Sunday after it stunned Italy with a 4-1 win in their final qualifying match.
It will be Norway’s first appearance at the global event since 1998.
Italy have missed out on the last two editions of the tournament to the playoffs.
Euro 2016 champions, Portugal, are yet to win the global showpiece tournament as they will compete in a seventh consecutive edition of the World Cup.
Portugal has not won a FIFA World Cup while their best finish was a third-place showing in 1966.
“We’re at the World Cup! Let’s go, Portugal!”
“We’re at the World Cup! Let’s go, Portugal!” Ronaldo posted on social media.
The forward could miss the opening game for his country depending on whether FIFA extend his suspension beyond the mandatory one-match ban he served against Armenia.
France booked their place in the tournament in North America with a win over Ukraine earlier in the week.
Thomas Tuchel’s England completed a perfect group-stage performance as they won 2-0 against Albania to finish their campaign with a 100 percent record.
The side scored 22 goals and conceded zero — a European record for a team playing at least six qualifying matches.
