Ronaldo nets brace, breaks record as Portugal held by Hungary
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and set a new World Cup qualifying record, but Portugal were denied an early ticket to the 2026 World Cup after a late equaliser saw them draw 2-2 with Hungary in Lisbon.
The 40-year-old forward has now scored 41 goals in World Cup qualifying matches, surpassing former Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz’s record of 39.
However, Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time strike kept Hungary’s hopes alive and delayed Portugal’s automatic qualification.
Ronaldo rewrites history with another record
Ronaldo, playing his 206th international match, once again proved decisive. After Hungary took an early lead in the 8th minute through Attila Szalai, set up by Szoboszlai, the Portuguese captain levelled the score in the 22nd minute, slotting home Nelson Semedo’s low cross.
Cristiano Ronaldo – image from Fabrizio Romano X handle
He then gave Portugal the lead just before halftime with a finish from Nuno Mendes’ assist, his 948th career goal and 143rd for the national team. The brace extended Ronaldo’s record as international football’s top scorer.
Szoboszlai denies Portugal late on
Despite Portugal’s dominance in possession, Hungary kept pressing and were rewarded in added time when Szoboszlai struck a dramatic equaliser in the 91st minute.
The result means Portugal remain top of Group F with a five-point lead, but they will now have to wait until November 13, when they face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, for another opportunity to seal World Cup qualification.
Group F still open
Hungary sit second in the group, one point ahead of Ireland, who edged Armenia 1-0 in Dublin.
Meanwhile, England’s 5-0 win over Latvia confirmed their qualification from Group K, while Portugal’s draw ensures the race in Group F remains alive with two matches remaining.
Ronaldo, who has already won the European Championship (2016) and two UEFA Nations League titles, is still chasing the one major trophy that has eluded him, the FIFA World Cup.
