Cristiano Ronaldo made history yet again with a record-breaking brace, but Portugal were left frustrated after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2–2 draw with Hungary at the Estádio José Alvalade. The result delayed their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai struck late to deny the hosts all three points.
Ronaldo, 40, showed no signs of slowing down as he scored his 41st goal in World Cup qualifying — surpassing former Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz’s tally of 39 to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifying history. The two goals also took his international total to 143 in 225 appearances, further cementing his status as the most prolific player in international football.
However, despite the individual milestone, Portugal missed a golden opportunity to book their ticket to next summer’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. With England’s 5–0 victory over Latvia ensuring their qualification from Group K, Portugal needed a win to secure their own place but were denied by Szoboszlai’s injury-time strike.
Hungary shocked the Lisbon crowd early, taking an eighth-minute lead through defender Attila Szalai. The centre-back finished neatly from close range after a clever assist from Szoboszlai, giving the visitors a surprise advantage.
Portugal responded in typical fashion, with Ronaldo restoring parity in the 22nd minute. Nélson Semedo burst down the right wing and drilled in a low cross, which the five-time Ballon d’Or winner tapped home from six yards out. The equaliser reignited the hosts, who began to dominate possession and push Hungary deeper into their half.
Just before the interval, Ronaldo struck again to give Portugal the lead — and another personal milestone. Latching onto a pinpoint delivery from Nuno Mendes, he calmly slotted past Hungarian goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi for his second of the night and the 948th goal of his illustrious career.
The goal sent the home fans into a wild celebration, as it seemed Portugal were well on course to seal their qualification. They continued to control the game after the break, with Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva dictating the tempo while João Félix threatened with his pace on the flanks.
However, Portugal failed to convert several second-half chances to kill off the contest. Their wastefulness came back to haunt them in added time when Hungary capitalised on a rare counterattack. Szoboszlai, Hungary’s captain and talisman, latched onto a pass from Dániel Lukács and fired home a deflected effort in the 91st minute to level the match at 2–2.
The late equaliser silenced the home supporters and reignited Hungary’s own qualification hopes. Marco Rossi’s side remain second in Group F, one point ahead of the Republic of Ireland, who edged Armenia 1–0 in Dublin.
For Portugal, the draw means they maintain a five-point lead at the top of the group with two games left to play. Their next opportunity to seal World Cup qualification will come on November 13, when they face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin — a match that now takes on extra significance.
Despite the setback, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez praised his team’s overall performance but admitted that concentration lapses proved costly. “We played with intensity and control, but football can be cruel,” he said. “We must finish games stronger and take our chances.”
For Ronaldo, the night was bittersweet — another remarkable record achieved, but the ultimate goal of qualification postponed. As he continues to defy age and expectations, his hunger for international success remains undimmed.
Portugal fans will hope the next match brings not just more goals from their captain, but also the confirmation of a World Cup place that now feels within touching distance.
