World Cup Qualification 2026: Armenia-Portugal, the likely lineups

At ‘Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium’ in Yerevan, Group F of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers opens with Yeghishe Melikyan’s Armenia opposing Portugal led by Roberto Martínez. Kickoff at 6 p.m.

The hosts line up with a 4-3-2-1: Mkrtchyan, Harutyunyan, Sergey Muradyan and Grigoryan form the defensive line, while Karen Muradyan is in charge of the midfield. In the three-quarter, space is given to Serobyan and Shaghoyan, supporting the only forward Sevikyan

.

Martinez must do without the injured Rafael Leão. In front of the defensive quartet composed of Cancelo, Inácio, Ruben Dias and Nuno Mendes, space for the Parisian duo João Neves-Vitinha along with Bernardo Silva in the middle. Forwards, trident of experience and quality with Juventus’ Francisco Conceição, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pedro Neto.

Probable lineups

Armenia (4-3-2-1): Beglaryan; Mkrtchyan, Harutyunyan, Sergey Muradyan, Grigoryan; Aghbalan, Karen Muradyan, Spertsyan; Serobyan, Shaghoyan; Sevikyan. Coach: Melikyan.

.

Portugal (4-3-3): Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Inacio, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva; Francisco Conceiçao, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto. Coach: Martinez.