Ronaldo Sets Record as Portugal Draws with Hungary
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and set a new goalscoring record, but his Portugal team could only manage a draw against Hungary, missing an opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
At 40 years old, Ronaldo has now netted 41 goals in World Cup qualifying matches, surpassing the previous record held by former Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz, who scored 39 qualifying goals throughout his career.
With England's 5-0 victory over Latvia securing their place in Group K, Portugal was on the brink of qualifying for next summer's tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
However, in the 91st minute, Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai equalized, denying Portugal the win they required. Despite the draw, Portugal maintains a five-point lead at the top of Group F with two matches remaining.
Portugal's next opportunity to qualify will be on November 13, when they face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
In Lisbon, Hungary took an early lead in the eighth minute with a goal from Attila Szalai, assisted by Szoboszlai.
Ronaldo equalized for Portugal in the 22nd minute, converting a low cross from Nelson Semedo from close range.
He then scored the 948th goal of his career and his 143rd international goal just before halftime, finishing calmly after receiving a pass from Nuno Mendes.
However, Szoboszlai's late equalizer kept Hungary's hopes of winning the group alive.
Throughout his 22-year international career, Ronaldo has played a pivotal role in Portugal's success, helping the team secure the European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League on two occasions.
Nonetheless, the closest he has come to winning the World Cup was in 2006, when Portugal reached the semifinals before losing to France and later to Germany in the third-place playoff.
Hungary remains in second place in Group F, one point ahead of the Republic of Ireland, who recently defeated Armenia 1-0 in Dublin.