Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to break the all-time World Cup qualifying goals record, but Portugal were held to a 2-2 draw by Hungary, missing the chance to seal their place at the 2026 World Cup.
The 40-year-old forward has now netted 41 goals in World Cup qualifiers, surpassing former Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz’s record of 39.
Portugal appeared on course to join England—who secured qualification earlier with a 5-0 win over Latvia—in next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
But a 91st-minute strike from Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai denied them victory in Lisbon.
Hungary took an early lead through Attila Szalai in the eighth minute after fine work from Szoboszlai, before Ronaldo equalised 14 minutes later by slotting home Nelson Semedo’s low cross.
He then made it 2-1 just before half-time with a composed finish from Nuno Mendes’ delivery—his 948th career goal and 143rd for Portugal.
However, Szoboszlai’s late equaliser kept Hungary’s hopes of topping Group F alive.
Portugal remain five points clear with two matches to play and will have another opportunity to qualify when they face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on 13 November.
Ronaldo, now in his 22nd year of international football, has led Portugal to European Championship glory in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles.
His best World Cup run came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals before falling to France and later losing to Germany in the third-place playoff.
Hungary sit second in Group F, one point ahead of the Republic of Ireland, who edged Armenia 1-0 in Dublin.
