Thriller Night: Joao Cancelo To The Rescue As Portugal Edge Out Hungary

Last Updated:September 10, 2025, 08:12 IST

Goals from Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo and Joao Cancelo helped the Portuguese pip Hungary, who found the net through Barnabas Varga twice.

Hungary's Bence Otvos tries to block a shot from Portugal's Joao Cancelo, left, during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Portugal at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Portugal edged out Hungary in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualification encounter at the Puskas Arena on Wednesday as Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. posted a 3-2 win on the road.

Goals from Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo and Joao Cancelo helped the Portuguese pip Hungary, who found the net through Barnabas Varga twice.

“We knew it would be complicated, we made mistakes and allowed transitions," Silva said.

“It’s always difficult to find balance, probably one of the hardest things in football, especially against teams that defend with such a low block.

“Above all, it is a young team that is still growing, but the most important thing is the six points, and we took a giant step towards securing qualification for the World Cup."

Nations League champions Portugal were brimming with confidence after their 5-0 victory over Armenia on Saturday, and they dominated possession.

However, it was Hungary who took the lead when Ferencvaros striker Varga found a gap in Portugal’s defence and headed in Zsolt Nagy’s cross.

Portugal responded by pushing forward, and Hungary goalkeeper Balazs Toth made a stunning save to deny Ronaldo from close range after half an hour.

The visitors equalised six minutes later when Manchester City midfielder Silva lashed the ball into the roof of the net after it fell his way in the box.

Portugal took the lead after 58 minutes through veteran striker Ronaldo, who is aiming to become the first player to feature in six different World Cup finals.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner won a spot-kick when his shot was handled by Loic Nego, and he squeezed it into the bottom left corner beyond Toth’s outstretched fingertips.

Ronaldo became the joint-top scorer in World Cup qualifying history, level with retired Guatemala international Carlos Ruiz, as he bagged his 39th goal.

Hungary, who last qualified for the World Cup in 1986 and have never beaten Portugal in 15 attempts, equalised with another Varga header from Nego’s cross after 84 minutes.

Just two minutes later, Portugal regained possession high up the pitch, and Cancelo stroked home to secure the three points.

“It’s hard to win when you concede two goals," said Martinez.

“I loved the attitude and focus. We just needed to control the game and take it where we wanted. It’s a perfect match for improvement."

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