In LISBON on Tuesday night, Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name further into the record books, scoring a double for Portugal in a tense 2-2 draw against Hungary in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. While the goals cemented an extraordinary individual milestone, a late equalizer meant Portugal must wait to confirm their place at the finals.
The veteran forward, who is 40 years old, delivered his 40th and 41st career goals in World Cup qualifying matches. This feat sees him officially overtake former Guatemala star Carlos Ruiz, who held the previous record of 39 goals. This new tally enhances Ronaldo's status as the leading international men's goalscorer globally.
Dramatic Match Summary
The game began well for Portugal, with Ronaldo finding the back of the net in the 22nd minute with a sharp, close-range finish, instantly breaking the long-standing record. He extended the lead with his second goal shortly after the half-time interval.
However, Hungary proved to be resilient opponents. Despite Ronaldo's commanding performance, the visitors rallied, culminating in a dramatic stoppage-time goal from Dominik Szoboszlai. This late strike ensured the points were shared, frustrating Portugal's aim for immediate qualification for the 2026 tournament.
The Numbers and the Future
Ronaldo’s brace pushes his remarkable career total for the national team to 143 international goals. Although Portugal remains in first place in Group F, the focus now shifts to November, where they will need to secure a final victory to book their ticket to the World Cup. Ronaldo’s enduring longevity and continued ability to perform at the highest level remains the central story for the team.
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