Cristiano Ronaldo lit up Portugal&rsquo;s opening match in the FIFA World Cup 2026 UEFA qualifiers, netting twice in a dominant 5-0 win over Armenia. The 39-year-old extended his international record to 140 goals and moved within one of Carlos Ruiz&rsquo;s all-time World Cup qualifying record of 39. Joao Felix added a brace and Joao Cancelo also scored, as Roberto Mart&iacute;nez&rsquo;s side made an emphatic Group F start.
The day&rsquo;s drama unfolded in Dublin, where the Republic of Ireland fought back to draw 2-2 with Hungary. Barnabas Varga and Roland Sallai put the visitors ahead before Evan Ferguson struck back. Sallai&rsquo;s dismissal turned the tide, and Adam Idah equalised deep into stoppage time.
Austria continued their perfect Group H run with a 1-0 win over Cyprus, thanks to Marcel Sabitzer&rsquo;s penalty. Bosnia and Herzegovina thrashed San Marino 6-0, with Edin Dzeko&rsquo;s double leading their fourth consecutive victory to stay top of the group.
In Group K, England maintained their flawless form under Thomas Tuchel, beating Andorra 2-0. An own goal by Christian Garcia and a Declan Rice header sealed the win. Serbia stayed close behind with a narrow 1-0 triumph in Latvia, courtesy of Dusan Vlahovic&rsquo;s early strike.
With Portugal, England, Austria, and Bosnia sending strong signals, and Ireland&rsquo;s dramatic comeback adding flavour, the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 promises high drama.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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Portugal, England, Austria and Serbia impress as FIFA 2026 qualifiers heat up early

Ronaldo Stars as Portugal, England Cruise

Portugal, England, Austria and Serbia impress as FIFA 2026 qualifiers heat up early

September 7, 2025 | 10:50 IST