Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and set a new goalscoring record but his Portugal side could only draw with Hungary to miss a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, has set a new record in World Cup qualifying history, scoring his 41st goal in the competition to surpass former Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz, who previously held the record with 39 goals.

Portugal came close to securing their place in next summer’s World Cup, to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, but a late equalizer denied them the victory they needed. In stoppage time, Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai struck for Hungary, ending the match 2–2 and delaying Portugal’s qualification. Despite the setback, Portugal remains five points clear at the top of Group F with two games left to play. Their next opportunity to seal qualification will be on November 13, when they face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Hungary had taken an early lead in Lisbon through Attila Szalai in the eighth minute, assisted by Szoboszlai. Portugal responded strongly, with Ronaldo equalizing in the 22nd minute after connecting with Nelson Semedo’s low cross. Shortly before halftime, the veteran forward added his second — and 948th career goal — finishing calmly after a setup from Nuno Mendes.

However, Szoboszlai’s dramatic 91st-minute strike ensured Hungary left with a valuable point, keeping their hopes of topping the group alive.

Throughout his remarkable 22-year international career, Ronaldo has guided Portugal to major triumphs, including victory at Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles. His best World Cup run came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semifinals before losing to France and later Germany in the third-place playoff.

Hungary sits second in Group F, one point ahead of the Republic of Ireland, who edged Armenia 1–0 in Dublin.