Azerbaijan vs France

Anticipation is high in Porto as Portugal prepare to face Armenia on Sunday 16 November 2025 at the Estádio do Dragão, with kickoff set for 15:00 local time. Portugal enter the game knowing that a win will secure their position at the top of the qualifying group, while Armenia arrives looking to finish their campaign on a respectable note.

Portugal will be without Cristiano Ronaldo, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the previous match. Pedro Neto has withdrawn due to a groin injury, and Pedro Gonçalves is also unavailable through injury. Armenia’s squad is relatively intact, with no major injury concerns reported, giving coach Yegishe Melikyan the ability to field a near-full-strength team.

Tactically, Portugal’s coach Roberto Martínez is expected to adjust his attacking formation, with Gonçalo Ramos taking the primary striking role. The midfield trio of Bruno Fernandes, João Neves, and Vitinha is likely to control the tempo and supply chances to the forwards. Armenia are expected to set up in a compact 4–3–3 formation, relying on Eduard Spertsyan to lead counter-attacks and provide the main creative spark for their offense.

Media coverage ahead of the game highlights Portugal’s need to maintain focus despite missing key players. Analysts are debating whether Martínez will rotate his squad or stick with a strong starting eleven to ensure victory. In Armenia, local outlets frame the match as an opportunity for their young squad to gain valuable experience against a top European team, rather than expecting a positive result.

Studio analysts have largely backed Portugal to dominate the match. Pundits emphasize the visitors’ limited attacking options and Armenia’s defensive vulnerabilities, predicting that Portugal’s midfield control will be decisive. Some experts, however, note that Armenia could still create moments of danger on the break, particularly through Spertsyan, but the consensus is that Portugal is likely to control the game and secure a comfortable win.