Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and broke another goalscoring record, but Portugal were held to a 2-2 draw by Hungary and missed the chance to seal qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo surpasses World Cup qualifying record
At 40, Ronaldo continues to make history. His two goals in Lisbon took his World Cup qualifying tally to 41, moving him past Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz, who previously held the record with 39.
Szoboszlai’s late goal denies Portugal
Portugal were moments away from securing their World Cup spot before Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai equalised in the 91st minute. The draw keeps Portugal five points clear at the top of Group F, with two games left to play.
England’s 5-0 victory over Latvia confirmed their qualification from Group K, while Portugal’s next chance comes on 13 November against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
Ronaldo leads another comeback
Hungary struck first through Attila Szalai in the eighth minute after neat play by Szoboszlai. But Ronaldo pulled Portugal level in the 22nd minute, turning in Nelson Semedo’s low cross from close range.
Just before half-time, he struck again — his 948th career goal and 143rd for Portugal — finishing calmly from Nuno Mendes’ delivery to put his side ahead.
Hungary keep qualification hopes alive
Szoboszlai’s injury-time equaliser rescued a point for Hungary, who remain second in the group, one point ahead of the Republic of Ireland following their 1-0 win over Armenia in Dublin.
Ronaldo’s long pursuit of World Cup glory
Across his 22-year international career, Ronaldo has lifted the European Championship in 2016 and two Nations League titles. The World Cup, however, remains elusive — his closest attempt came in 2006 when Portugal reached the semi-finals before losing to France.
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