Cristiano Ronaldo reaches another sensational record for Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo set a new World Cup qualifying record, but Hungary rescued a late 2-2 draw, denying Portugal qualification for next year's tournament with two games left. After Attila Szalai opened the scoring for Hungary, Ronaldo’s first-half double put Roberto Martinez’s side on the brink of advancing to the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo, still captaining Portugal at 40, soon equalised by finishing a Nelson Semedo cross for his fifth goal in the half. The goal made it 40 World Cup qualifying goals, surpassing the previous record held by Carlos Ruiz (39). Ronaldo, who had missed a penalty against Ireland recently, extended his international tally to 143 before the break, another all-time record. The veteran striker again found the net at the right moment, converting a cross from Nuno Mendes to give Portugal the lead in an open contest. “We are getting closer to our goal! Let’s go, Portugal,” Ronaldo said on X after the final whistle. Martinez’s team sits atop Group F with 10 points, five clear of Hungary. Dominik Szoboszlai struck in stoppage time to keep Hungary’s hopes alive of reaching the United States, Mexico and Canada for the tournament.Cristiano Ronaldo records in international football: