Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and set a new qualifying record for the World Championship, but Portugal was held on 2-2 Hungary draws and lacked the opportunity to ensure early qualification for the 2026 tournament. At 40, Ronaldo has now counted 41 goals in the World Cup qualifying.
Portugal was on the verge of securing its place at the next summer World Championship in Canada in Mexico and the United States, with the victory of England 5-0 over Latvia in the group K, which means only victory will confirm their qualifications. However, the dramatic 91-minute equalizer from the midfielder Liverpool Dominik Szoboszlai denied them victory and Portugal remained at the top of the group F on the top of the F group with the remaining two matches. Their further chances of the qualification seal come on 13 November, when they face the Republic of Irish in Dublin.
Portugal came to the wrong start in Lisbon and lagged in the eighth minute, when Attila Szalai headed to a well -placed corner by Dominik Szoboszlai after goalkeeper Diogo Costa could not demand the ball. The hosts responded in the 22nd minute, while Cristiano Ronaldo transformed the low cross of Nelson Seme from close range to equalize the score. This goal meant Ronaldo’s 40. In the World Cup qualifying and set a new record of all time.
Ronaldo hit again just before the half and finished the cross of Nuno Mendes to score 948. The goal of his career and his 143. International goal, giving Portugal 2-1 leadership. Despite the Portuguese dominance in the second half, they hit the contribution twice within 15 minutes through Ruben Dias and Bruno Fernandes, could not expand their advantage. Replacements, including Joo Flixe, were denied with excellent savings from the Hungarian goalkeeper Balzse Tóth.
Strike Szoboszlai’s stop ensured Hungary to ensure a point and maintain its hopes for the top of the group alive. Hungary remains second in Group F, just one point in front of the Republic of Ireland, which defeated Armenia 1-0 in Dublin.
Ronaldo’s famous 22 -year -old international career has seen him to help Portugal win the European Championship 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles. The closest to the World Cup fame was in 2006, when Portugal reached the semifinals, lost in France and then Germany on the playoffs in third place.
Portugal must now wait until November to try to re -secure its place at the World Championship in 2026, with Ronaldo again in the heart of its hopes.
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Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
October 15, 2025
