Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks World Cup Qualifying Record with Double Against Hungary
Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has once again etched his name in the record books, proving that age is just a number. The 40-year-old Portuguese striker scored twice in Portugal’s 2-2 draw with Hungary on Tuesday night, setting a new milestone as the top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying history.
Before kickoff, Ronaldo was tied with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz on 39 goals. But by the final whistle, the legendary forward had gone clear, setting the record at 41 goals — yet another achievement in his glittering career.
Ronaldo: “Proud to Reach This Unique Milestone”
The Portugal captain shared his excitement and gratitude on social media following the historic match.
“It is no secret that representing the national team means a lot to me, and that’s why I’m very proud to have reached this unique milestone for Portugal,” Ronaldo wrote on Wednesday.
“Thank you to everyone who helped me get here. See you in November to seal qualification for the World Cup!”
Ronaldo’s words reflected not only his relentless drive but also his unwavering commitment to his country, even as he enters the twilight of his career.
How Ronaldo Broke the Record
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, tapping into an empty net after a brilliant low cross from Nelson Semedo. The goal — his 40th in World Cup qualifiers — was vintage Ronaldo: perfect positioning, calm execution, and ruthless precision.
Moments before halftime, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner doubled his tally. This time, it was Nuno Mendes who delivered a pinpoint cross, which Ronaldo guided home from close range to extend his record to 41.
The crowd at Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz erupted as the forward celebrated yet another landmark in his legendary international career.
A Record-Breaking Career That Keeps Growing
With his brace against Hungary, Ronaldo now boasts 143 international goals for Portugal, further extending his own men’s all-time international scoring record, which he first set in 2021 when he surpassed Iran’s Ali Daei (109 goals).
To put his latest milestone in perspective: Ronaldo has now scored 41 goals in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, averaging more than one goal every two matches throughout his qualifying career. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level, even at 40, highlights his remarkable longevity and professionalism.
“I’ve said it before — records follow me,” Ronaldo famously declared years ago. Tuesday’s performance proved once again that he wasn’t exaggerating.
Hungary Denies Portugal a Win
Despite Ronaldo’s record-breaking night, Portugal couldn’t secure the victory. Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai, the team’s 23-year-old captain and Liverpool midfielder, stunned the home crowd with a dramatic equalizer in the 91st minute.
The stoppage-time goal forced a 2-2 draw, leaving Portugal still short of clinching qualification for next year’s World Cup in North America.
Portugal remains five points clear of Hungary at the top of Group F in UEFA qualifying, with two matches left to play. The team will next face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on November 13, where a win would guarantee their spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Mendes: “We Need to Stay Focused”
After the match, Portugal left-back Nuno Mendes admitted the team’s drop in intensity after Ronaldo’s second goal allowed Hungary to capitalize.
“After the second goal, we slowed down the tempo, and they profited,” Mendes told UEFA.
“We tried to do what we trained for, but we failed. We need to stay focused and, in November, do things correctly.”
While disappointed by the draw, Mendes and his teammates emphasized that the team remains confident and motivated to finish the job in their upcoming qualifiers.
Portugal’s Path to the World Cup
The draw against Hungary means Portugal must wait until next month to officially book its ticket to the 2026 World Cup. However, with a commanding lead in Group F and a favorable fixture list, qualification remains firmly within reach.
If successful, it would mark Portugal’s sixth consecutive World Cup appearance, a testament to the nation’s footballing consistency and Ronaldo’s enduring influence on the squad.
Manager Roberto Martínez praised Ronaldo’s leadership, saying the striker’s dedication continues to inspire younger players. “Cristiano’s hunger for success is unmatched,” Martínez said. “He sets the standard for everyone in the team — not just through his goals, but through his mentality.”
Ronaldo’s Legacy: Still Breaking Records at 40
At 40, many players would be well into retirement or enjoying coaching roles, but Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy expectations. Whether scoring from open play or leading Portugal’s attack, he remains one of the most impactful figures in global football.
His latest feat adds to a record-breaking résumé that includes:
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Most international goals in men’s football (143)
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Most goals in World Cup qualifying (41)
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Most UEFA European Championship goals (14)
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Over 870 career goals for club and country
Ronaldo’s ability to adapt his game over time — evolving from a speedy winger to a clinical striker — has allowed him to remain among the elite even two decades into his career.
Other Nations Seal World Cup Spots
While Portugal must wait another month to confirm qualification, six other nations secured their places for the 2026 tournament on Tuesday. England, Ivory Coast, Senegal, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and host nation Qatar all booked their spots as the global competition takes shape.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off on June 11, with 48 teams — the largest lineup in the tournament’s history. So far, 28 nations have officially qualified.
What’s Next for Ronaldo and Portugal
Portugal’s focus now turns to finishing the qualifying campaign strong. A win in Dublin against Ireland would ensure automatic qualification, allowing the team to prepare for the World Cup with confidence and momentum.
For Ronaldo, the coming months could also bring more milestones. With form and fitness on his side, it’s likely he’ll continue adding to his goal tally, extending his dominance as the most prolific scorer in international football history.
Even at 40, Cristiano Ronaldo shows no sign of slowing down. His latest record not only cements his place among football’s all-time greats but also reinforces why his legacy transcends generations.