Fri Sep 05 21:30:44 UTC 2025: ## Portugal Begins World Cup Qualifying Campaign Under Shadow of Loss
**YEREVAN, Armenia** – Portugal embarks on its journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup this Saturday with a qualifying match against Armenia at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium. However, the game carries a somber note as it marks the first outing for the national team since the tragic passing of forward Diogo Jota.
Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, tragically passed away in a car accident in July, casting a pall over the Portuguese squad. In a touching tribute, midfielder Ruben Neves will wear Jota’s number 21 jersey and has unveiled a tattoo on his calf depicting him embracing Jota.
“I and the entire national team will do everything we can to keep Diogo here with us, on our team,” Neves stated at a moving ceremony held at Portugal’s training base ahead of the qualifiers against Armenia and Hungary.
The ceremony, attended by Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, also honored former international Jorge Costa, who recently passed away. Both Jota and Costa were posthumously awarded Commanders of the Order of Merit.
“They loved football; they loved their country; they loved their national team,” said Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proenca, describing both men as individuals who “defended, with courage and dedication, the colours of our flag.”
On the field, Portugal faces Armenia, seeking to continue their strong record against the home side, having won four and drawn two of their previous six encounters. However, Armenia will be looking to upset the reigning Nations League champions.
Armenia will be without Narek Grigoryan due to injury and Norberto Briasco due to a family issue, while Lucas Zelarayan and Grant-Leon Ranos return to the squad. Portugal will miss Rafael Leao due to a calf injury and Diogo Dalot, who has a muscle problem.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has a stellar record against Armenia with five goals in four games, including a hat-trick in their last meeting, will be key for Portugal as they aim to start their World Cup qualifying campaign on a winning note while honoring the memory of their teammate, Diogo Jota.
The match kicks off at 8pm local time (16:00 GMT). Al Jazeera Sport will provide build-up coverage from 13:00 GMT, followed by live text commentary.
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