Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks World Cup Qualifying Record as Portugal Draws with Hungary
October 15, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes All-Time Leading Scorer in World Cup Qualifying
Lisbon — Cristiano Ronaldo once again etched his name into football history books on Tuesday night, scoring twice in Portugal’s 2-2 draw with Hungary to become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup qualifying matches.
The match, held at Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz, saw Ronaldo net a first-half brace that pushed his tally to 41 goals in World Cup qualifying, surpassing former Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz, who previously held the record at 39.
While the result fell short of officially securing Portugal’s spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo’s individual brilliance was the story of the night.
Hungary Spoils Portugal’s Celebration Late
Hungary stunned the home crowd early when Attila Szalai opened the scoring in the 8th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. But Ronaldo responded in typical fashion—striking twice before halftime to turn the game around and give Portugal a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
Just as Portuguese fans prepared for celebration, Dominik Szoboszlai, the Liverpool midfielder and Hungarian captain, delivered a dagger in second-half stoppage time, curling in a dramatic equalizer that silenced the stadium and delayed Portugal’s qualification hopes.
Despite the disappointment, Roberto Martinez’s squad remains firmly in control of their group with 10 points from four matches, while Hungary trails with five points.
Another Milestone in an Endless List
Ronaldo’s latest record further solidifies his status as one of the game’s greatest icons. With 41 goals in 50 World Cup qualifying matches, he has now scored in five out of six qualifying campaigns since debuting for the national team in 2003.
The 38-year-old also inched closer to another historic benchmark, reaching 948 career goals across club and country—a number no other active player has come close to matching.
Eyeing 2026 — Possibly Ronaldo’s Final World Cup
If selected—as most expect—Cristiano Ronaldo will be 41 years old when the expanded 48-team World Cup kicks off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
While age may be catching up with most of his peers, Ronaldo’s hunger and form remain largely intact. With Portugal chasing its first-ever World Cup title, his presence could prove pivotal both on the pitch and in the locker room.
Portugal will look to seal their ticket to North America in November, with decisive matches against Ireland and Armenia set to close out the qualification cycle.
What’s Next for Portugal?
- 🗓 Next Match: Portugal vs. Ireland (November 2025)
- 📍 Current Group Standings:
- Portugal – 10 points
- Hungary – 5 points
- Remaining Matches: vs Ireland, vs Armenia
Qualification remains a near certainty, but Ronaldo and his teammates will want to enter the tournament on a high—both in form and morale.
Final Word
Ronaldo’s journey continues to defy time, expectation, and logic. Whether lifting trophies or breaking records, his impact on the game endures—and for Portugal, the dream of a first World Cup title still burns brightly.
