Cristiano Ronaldo continued to redefine goalscoring records on the international stage with a brace against Hungary, yet Portugal were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser in Lisbon, delaying their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The 40-year-old forward scored twice to move clear at the top of the all-time World Cup qualifying goals chart with 41 goals, surpassing former Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz who held the previous record with 39. Ronaldo’s tally now extends his extraordinary international career to 143 goals in 22 years for Portugal, alongside 948 career goals across club and country.
Despite England’s 5-0 win over Latvia securing their place from Group K, Portugal were unable to join them after Dominik Szoboszlai rescued a point for Hungary in the 91st minute, meaning Roberto Martínez’s side must wait to confirm qualification. Portugal still sit five points clear at the top of Group F with two matches remaining, and their next opportunity to seal a place at the 2026 tournament will come on 13 November against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
Hungary made a statement of intent early in the match, taking the lead in the eighth minute when Attila Szalai converted from close range following a delivery from Liverpool playmaker Szoboszlai. But Portugal responded through their captain: Ronaldo levelled in the 22nd minute, finishing from six yards after connecting with Nelson Semedo’s low cross. He struck again just before half-time, showing composure inside the box after Nuno Mendes created the opening.
However, Hungary refused to fold, and Szoboszlai struck late with a precise effort from the edge of the area to keep his side within two points of top spot and maintain their ambition of winning the group. The Republic of Ireland trail Hungary by a point after a narrow 1-0 victory over Armenia in Dublin.
Ronaldo’s personal legacy continues to grow—he has already lifted major silverware with Portugal, including Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles—but the World Cup remains the one major international trophy missing from his collection. His closest attempt came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals before losing to France and finishing fourth after defeat to Germany.
Portugal’s qualification is still in their hands, but defensive lapses and late concessions have become a concern as they look ahead to North America 2026.
