Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record for World Cup qualifying goals, but Hungary grabbed a late 2-2 draw to prevent Portugal from reaching next summer’s tournament with two games remaining.
After Attila Szalai scored for the visitors, Ronaldo’s first-half brace put Roberto Martinez’s side on the brink of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, Dominik Szoboszlai struck in stoppage time to keep Portugal waiting and boost his country’s hopes of reaching the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
READ ALSO | Cristiano Ronaldo becomes all-time top scorer in the World Cup qualifiers
Martinez’s side top Group F with 10 points, five points ahead of Hungary.
Portugal grabbed a late win from a five-goal thriller when the teams met in Hungary in September as Marco Rossi’s side showed their steel.
Hoping to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986, Hungary once again proved a tough nut to crack.
Szalai took the lead early on, when the tall defender headed home from a corner kick by Szoboszlai after eight minutes.
Ronaldo, who was still leading his country at the age of 40, quickly leveled and headed home after Nelson Semedo crossed for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
It was his 40th goal in World Cup qualifying, setting a new record, ahead of retired Guatemala international Carlos Ruiz on 39.
Ronaldo, who missed a penalty against Ireland this weekend, added to his tally before half-time with his 143rd international goal, also an all-time record.
The veteran was once again in the right place at the right time to clinically finish a Nuno Mendes cross and give his side the lead in an end-to-end clash.
Hungary pushed for an equalizer in the second half and Szalai hit the crossbar with another header.
Martinez defeated Ronaldo, who hopes to play in a sixth World Cup, but Portugal could not maintain their lead.
Finally, Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai found the equalizer when he arrived at the back post and finished Daniel Lukacs’ low cross, which found its way.
Published on October 15, 2025
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(762x295:764x297)/diane-keaton-los-angeles-3-101425-23673b9357074e888bcf39557e8f5c39.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1 "La instructora de SoulCycle de Diane Keaton revela lo que la estrella siempre decía después de clase (exclusivo)")
