Portugal’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup is now officially underway, with the national team awaiting the outcome of the Nations League quarter-finals to determine whether they will start their campaign in Armenia or at home against Scotland. The first matches are set for September, but where Portugal begins their journey will depend heavily on their performance in the Nations League playoffs.
The two-legged playoff against Denmark in March will be pivotal. If Portugal emerges victorious, they will advance to the ‘final four’ of the Nations League and be placed in Group F alongside Hungary, Ireland, and Armenia. However, if they fail to beat Denmark, they will end up in Group C, starting their World Cup qualification with a home match against Scotland.
The Crucial Nations League Playoff
Portugal’s immediate future depends on how they fare against Denmark in the Nations League. A win against the Danes would secure their spot in the Nations League finals, and also determine their position in the World Cup qualification groups.
In Group F, they would begin with two away games—facing Armenia on September 6, followed by a clash with Hungary in Budapest, which is considered their toughest opponent in the group. The Portuguese squad, under the guidance of coach Roberto Martínez, would then return home for their first match on October 11, facing Ireland in Lisbon. The qualification campaign will wrap up on November 16, with a final home fixture against Armenia.
However, if Portugal is defeated by Denmark in the Nations League, they will find themselves in Group C for World Cup qualification. This would see them start the campaign with a home fixture against Scotland on September 5, followed by a tough away game against Greece in Athens just three days later.
Portugal’s Path to World Cup Glory
Portugal’s qualification schedule hinges on their results in the Nations League. Should they secure their spot in Group F, the games will provide an exciting series of challenges for the team.
The squad will need to navigate through:
- September 6: Away vs Armenia
- September 9: Away vs Hungary
- October 11: Home vs Ireland
- November 16: Home vs Armenia
However, if Portugal drops to Group C, the matches will shift:
- September 5: Home vs Scotland
- September 8: Away vs Greece
- November 18: Away vs Belarus (Portugal’s first-ever meeting with the team)
With a roster stacked with talented players, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s national team is aiming for their ninth World Cup appearance.
The Importance of Nations League Results
The Nations League plays a critical role in Portugal’s World Cup qualification campaign. With Portugal finishing top of Group A1, ahead of strong teams like Croatia, Scotland, and Poland, they are guaranteed at least a spot in the playoff rounds if they fail to qualify directly from their group. This added security ensures that even if Portugal struggles in the group stage, they still have a chance to reach the 2026 World Cup through the playoffs.
The European qualification phase for the 2026 World Cup is scheduled to begin on March 21, 2025, and will run until November 18, 2025, with the playoffs set for the end of March 2026. Portugal is aiming to avoid the stress of the playoffs and secure a direct qualification spot, but their strong Nations League finish gives them a cushion for the upcoming campaign
