Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo sets goalscoring record in World Cup qualifiers
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Hungary in Lisbon, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. Credit: AP/Armando Franca
LISBON — Another goal, another record for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 40-year-old Ronaldo became the player with most goals in World Cup qualifiers after scoring twice for Portugal in its 2-2 draw with Hungary on Tuesday.
His first goal — from close range in the 22nd minute — was Ronaldo's 40th in a World Cup qualifying match, breaking a tie with former Guatemala player Carlos Ruiz.
The Al-Nassr striker then added a second in first-half stoppage time to extend his record to 41 goals in the 50 World Cup qualifiers he has played.
Ronaldo now has a record-extending 143 goals in men’s internationals.
He left the field in the 78th minute with the score at 2-1 and Hungary equalized in stoppage time through Dominik Szoboszlai, preventing Portugal from clinching a spot in the World Cup with two group games to spare.
Portugal still leads Group F by five points ahead of second-place Hungary.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo,scores during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Hungary in Lisbon, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. Credit: AP/Armando Franca
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