Portugal is fighting for its last chance to secure a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, needing a home win over Armenia to make it happen. With Cristiano Ronaldo absent, many expected Joao Felix to get a start, but the forward will begin the match on the bench.

Although there hasn’t been an official confirmation regarding this key decision by Roberto Martinez, all signs point to it being purely a tactical choice, with the coach betting on the talents of Goncalo Ramos and Raphael Leao to lead the attack.

CR7’s absence suggested that the coach might turn to Felix’s agility and talent as one of the key offensive weapons, but he won’t be starting. It may come down to how the game unfolds to determine if he gets any minutes on the pitch.

Portugal desperately needs a home victory over

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