Portugal booked their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in style as they routed Armenia 9-1 in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence on Sunday. Seleção das Quinas were without their captain after he was given his marching orders for violent conduct in the second half during their 2-0 loss to Ireland.Heading into the contest in Porto, Roberto Martinez’s men needed just one point to seal their World Cup qualification. However, they showed complete supremacy, as a hat-trick each from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves ensured they topped UEFA Group F with a thumping victory.Portugal needed just seven minutes to take the lead through Renato Veiga, who reacted first to head home Fernandes’ parried free-kick from close range.However, Eduard Spertsyan equalized for the visitors against the run of play in the 18th minute. Spertsyan’s equalizer rang the warning bells to Portugal, who then raced to a 5-1 lead before the break. The hosts added four more in the second half to complete the rout.Social media was left buzzing after Portugal steamrolled Armenia without Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks.Fans debated whether Portugal’s chances of winning the World Cup are higher without Ronaldo in the starting XI, with one writing:“It’s a well known fact. His off the ball movements and limited physicality is a liability for the team. Brother is washed, his ego won’t accept. This team can win the world cup without R7.”Viko 🦉 @vikogamiLINK@TouchlineX It’s a well known fact. His off the ball movements and limited physicality is a liability for the team. Brother is washed, his ego won’t accept. This team can win the world cup without R7.Another tweeted:“When Portugal lost the world cup to Morrocco, you were part of them that said Ronaldo should have started. The truth is that when Ronaldo is on the pitch, there's maturity and leadership.”Oluwamomi @Oluwamomi_LINK@TouchlineX When Portugal lost the world cup to Morrocco, you were part of them that said Ronaldo should have started. The truth is that when Ronaldo is on the pitch, there's maturity and leadership.A third claimed:“Call me Crazy but this Portugal team are better without Ronaldo.”Waggy ✞🏌️ @waggydey4youLINKCall me Crazy but this Portugal team are better without Ronaldo.“They couldn’t even score one the last match, now they scored five in one half. We all know Ronaldo is the problem now,” a rival fan suggested.messistaa @messiraph10LINK@TouchlineX They couldn’t even score one the last match, now they scored five in one half. We all know Ronaldo is the problem now“Portugal just put five past Armenia in one half without Ronaldo starting. The midfield controls the game better and the attack clicks faster. True all the way for that World Cup run,” another chimed in.Marcus ₿urelius @MarcusBureliusLINK@TouchlineX Portugal just put five past Armenia in one half without Ronaldo starting. The midfield controls the game better and the attack clicks faster. True all the way for that World Cup run.pebble @pebbles_hlLINK@TouchlineX Portugal without Ronaldo is like Wi-Fi without a password sometimes it just runs smoother… but saying that out loud is dangerous.muimuiko ☠️ @_muimuikoLINK@TouchlineX Depends if Portugal want vibes or violence. With Ronaldo it’s chaos energy, without him it’s tactical footballAkereyejo @Palermo_seunLINK@TouchlineX False. Portugal are stronger with or without Ronaldo depending on the opponent, but saying they have “higher” chances without him is oversimplifying. His presence still changes games, even if the team is evolving beyond him.Portugal boss Roberto Martinez on Cristiano Ronaldo missing the game against ArmeniaRoberto Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after their 9-0 win against Armenia. Martinez insisted that the 40-year-old will always be welcomed in the national team, expressing disappointment that he wasn’t able to play.Speaking after the game, Martinez said:"Ronaldo always has a place. It's a shame he didn't come today. He must be terribly sorry for missing a game that deserved the captain's presence."The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth and final appearance in the tournament.