Portugal play their final fixture of the calendar year when hosting Armenia in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification on Sunday, but they will have to conquer the minnows without the aid of their suspended captain.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be missing for the clash which will decide Portugal’s fate. Victory will guarantee their place at the next summer’s tournament, while a draw or defeat at home to FIFA’s 104th-ranked nation will spell trouble with Hungary on their tails.
Portugal should waltz to victory at the Estádio do Dragão without international football’s leading goalscorer, but it’s an unwanted distraction ahead of a pivotal fixture.
But why is Ronaldo absent for the reigning UEFA Nations League champions?






