Portugal’s record-shattering 9–1 win over Armenia secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo wasn't present owing to his suspension after a chaotic red card against Ireland. But why was the Portuguese maestro absent? Ronaldo was nowhere near the team camp, nowhere in the stands, and nowhere beside his teammates during one of Portugal’s biggest qualifying nights. Should the most influential figure in Portuguese football have been present to rally his nation? Was he benched by choice or sidelined by the system? Rupha Ramani breaks down the full timeline, the manager’s comments, Ronaldo’s past behaviour, and what this means for CR7 as he heads toward a record-breaking sixth World Cup.