Nine and shine! Portugal run riot for spot

Portugal booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup with an emphatic 9-1 victory over Armenia on Sunday, while Harry Kane ensured already-qualified England maintained their perfect record.

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Portugal's Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring their fifth goal from the penalty spot.

(REUTERS)

Later, Italy must overturn the odds to pip opponents Norway to the global footballing showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico when the top sides in Group I meet at the San Siro.

After being held by Hungary and then stunned by Republic of Ireland last time out, Portugal sealed top spot in Group F at the third time of asking with a resounding win over bottom-side Armenia.

In the absence of the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo, star midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves both scored hat-tricks as the Portuguese ran riot in Porto.

Renato Veiga, Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Conceicao were also on the scoresheet.

"The most important thing was qualifying for the World Cup," Paris Saint-Germain lynchpin Neves told RTP.