Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice to become the all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, but Portugal were forced to settle for a 2–2 draw with Hungary in Lisbon — delaying their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The 40-year-old forward now holds 41 goals in World Cup qualifying, surpassing the previous record of 39 set by former Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz.
Ronaldo's latest milestone adds to a glittering international career, which has already seen him score 143 goals for Portugal and tally a staggering 948 career goals.
Despite his heroics, Portugal were denied victory by a stoppage-time equaliser from Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai, a result that leaves the Group F leaders five points clear with two matches remaining — but still short of securing an automatic berth at next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
England's 5–0 win over Latvia secured their place from Group K, and Portugal appeared poised to join them before Szoboszlai’s 91st-minute goal dampened the celebrations.
Earlier in the match, Hungary took a surprise lead in the eighth minute when defender Attila Szalai converted a pass from Szoboszlai. Portugal responded strongly, with Ronaldo levelling the score in the 22nd minute, tapping in Nelson Semedo’s low cross from the right.
Just before half-time, Ronaldo struck again — calmly slotting home after receiving a precise delivery from Nuno Mendes — giving Portugal a 2–1 lead and marking his 143rd international goal.
However, Szoboszlai’s late equaliser not only earned Hungary a valuable point but also kept their hopes of winning the group alive. Hungary remain second in the standings, one point ahead of the Republic of Ireland, who edged Armenia 1–0 in Dublin.
Portugal’s next opportunity to book their place at the 2026 World Cup will come on November 13, when they travel to face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. With two matches left, Roberto Martínez's side remains in a strong position to qualify but will be wary of any further late setbacks.
Over his two-decade international career, Ronaldo has led Portugal to victory in the UEFA Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles. Yet the World Cup remains elusive for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, with his best finish coming in 2006 when Portugal reached the semi-finals in Germany.
Source: BBC
SMS/
