Armenia and Portugal Set for UEFA World Cup Qualifier: Teams, Kick-off Time, and Lineups Announced

On September 6, 2025, Portugal will commence its journey in the UEFA qualifiers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup with a pivotal match against Armenia at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan. Scheduled for 8 pm local time (16:00 GMT), this match marks a significant occasion for the Portuguese national team as they play their first match since the tragic passing of forward Diogo Jota.

In a heartfelt tribute to Jota, midfielder Ruben Neves has committed to wearing the number 21 jersey previously worn by his late teammate. In an emotional gesture, Neves unveiled a tattoo on his left calf to honor Jota, who tragically died in a car accident in July. Expressing the collective sentiment of the team, Neves stated that he and his teammates are devoted to keeping Jota’s spirit alive on the field.

Neves, who plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, shared his close relationship with Jota during a ceremony attended by key figures, including Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. The event not only honored Jota but also Jorge Costa, another former international who recently passed away. Both players were posthumously recognized as Commanders of the Order of Merit, with medals accepted by their families, highlighting their enduring legacy in Portuguese football.

The Portuguese Football Federation shared a poignant video reflecting Neves’s deep affection for Jota, further emphasizing the unity and strength of the team as they prepare for challenges ahead. This match comes as a continuation of Portugal’s competitive spirit; they recently crowned their excellence by winning the 2025 Nations League against Spain.

With an impressive record of four wins and two draws in previous encounters against Armenia, including a 3-2 victory in their last Euro qualifier in 2015, Portugal enters this match with confidence. However, they face adversity as injuries have impacted their squad, with key players Rafael Leão and Diogo Dalot unavailable.

As both teams prepare for this encounter, the anticipation resonates throughout the football community, encapsulating not just a game but the spirit of remembrance and dedication to the sport. With their eyes set on World Cup qualification, Portugal aims to honor its past while striving for future success on the international stage.

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