At 40, still rewriting history: Cristiano Ronaldo matches all-time goal record in World Cup qualifier

Cristiano Ronaldo equalled another world record with his 141st goal for Portugal, who defeated Hungary 3-2 in a thriller on Tuesday, thanks to a late goal from Joao Cancelo to move to the top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group.

The Ronaldo goal from the spot in the 58th minute was the 40-year-old’s 943rd official career goal and helped him equal the record for the most goals in World Cup qualifying history. This was Ronaldo’s 39th goal in qualifying, the same as retired Guatemala footballer Carlos Ruiz.

For the unversed, Lionel Messi has scored 36 goals in World Cup qualifying.

Ronaldo equals world record as Portugal beat Hungary

Barnabas Varga scored twice in Budapest for Hungary to make it 2-2 by the 84th minute before Cancelo scored a late winner. Bernanrdo Silva had scored the opening goal for Roberto Martinez’s Portugal, who now lead Group F on six points after two wins from two opening games. Armenia are on three points after their win over the Republic of Ireland earlier.

“We knew it would be complicated, we made mistakes and allowed transitions,” said Bernardo Silva, who levelled for Portugal after Varga opened the scoring.

“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.”

No player has scored more #WCQ goals than Cristiano Ronaldo 💫 pic.twitter.com/SvhiVE9scy

— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) September 9, 2025

Nations League champions Portugal were high on confidence after thumping Armenia 5-0 on Saturday and dominated possession.

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

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

The visitors levelled six minutes later with Manchester City midfielder Silva lashing into the roof of the net after the ball broke his way in the box.

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

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

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 stole the ball back high up the pitch and Cancelo stroked home to claim 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.”

With agency inputs