Portugal thrashed Armenia 9-1 and qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while Ireland secured a playoff spot.

Portugal thrashed Armenia 9-1 and secured their place at the 2026 World Cup on Sunday, while a 96th-minute goal from Troy Parrott, completing his hat trick, gave Ireland a playoff spot.

But on Sunday, the Portuguese side didn't miss their star, as Bruno Fernandes and João Neves each scored hat tricks to secure a resounding victory in Porto and top Group F.

"We're at the World Cup! Let's go, Portugal!" Ronaldo wrote on social media.

After a draw in Hungary in October and a shock defeat to Ireland on Thursday, in which Ronaldo was sent off, Portugal secured qualification on their third attempt, in their final group stage match.

They will compete in their seventh consecutive World Cup, a tournament the Euro 2016 champions have yet to win.

"We always want to win the same way: convincingly and by controlling the game. It's not always possible, but today we were effective and achieved a good victory," said Fernandes.

With Fernandes a key figure throughout the match, Portugal got off to a blistering start, scoring in the seventh minute.

The Manchester United midfielder Fernandes' powerful free kick from outside the box on the left was deflected onto the post by goalkeeper Henri Avagyan, but Veiga pounced on the rebound to head home the goal.

The visitors then stunned the hosts by scoring on their first attack to level the score. Grant-Leon Ranos crossed for Armenian captain Eduard Spertsyan to score.

However, Portugal quickly upped the tempo and built an insurmountable lead. Paris Saint-Germain striker Ramos intercepted a back pass and scored his country's second goal after rounding Avagyan.

Portugal then created a good opportunity for their third goal. Neves fired home from the edge of the box after a pass from Fernandes.

Neves scored a spectacular second goal from a free kick that nestled into the top right corner, leaving Avagyan with no chance.

Fernandes scored the fifth in first-half stoppage time with a low penalty after a foul on Ruben Dias.

Fernandes continued his scoring streak after the break, netting his second goal after a pass from Ramos.

Fernandes completed his hat trick from the penalty spot after a foul on debutant Carlos Forbs.

Neves scored Portugal's eighth goal, powerfully finishing off a cross from Veiga that fell perfectly for him.

Juventus striker Conceição added the ninth in stoppage time, sealing one of his team's biggest victories.

"Now we can really dream about the World Cup. I was very pleased with the players' reaction (after the defeat against Ireland)," said Martínez.