Armenia’s national team celebrated a vital 2–1 win over Ireland at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, marking their first victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifiers.
Eduard Spertsyan opened the scoring with a penalty in first-half stoppage time (45+1’), giving Armenia a crucial lead before the break. Just minutes into the second half, Grant-Leon Ranos doubled Armenia’s advantage in the 51st minute with a clinical finish. Ireland responded through Evan Ferguson in the 57th, and Artur Serobyan had a goal disallowed in the late stages due to VAR, but Armenia’s defense held firm to secure all three points.
The win lifts Armenia to second place in Group F with three points, while Ireland drops to fourth with one point. Later tonight, Hungary will host Portugal in the group’s other fixture.
Armenia’s next qualifier comes on October 10 against Hungary, a matchup that could prove decisive in the push for World Cup qualification.
