Hungary Stuns Portugal, Ronaldo’s Record Bid Paused in World Cup qualifying
Budapest – A late equalizer from hungary denied Cristiano Ronaldo a record-extending international goal tally and held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup 2026 qualifying match. Ronaldo, already the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football, had put Portugal ahead, but Hungary responded to frustrate the visitors. The result leaves Portugal still in contention for automatic qualification from Group J.
World Cup 2026 qualifying continues to deliver dramatic twists, with several nations battling for spots in the expanded 48-team tournament. Thes qualifiers are pivotal as they determine which teams from UEFA will join hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States at the first World Cup to be co-hosted across three nations.
Elsewhere in European qualifying, italy secured a 2-1 victory against North Macedonia with goals from Mateo Retegui and a late header from Gianluca Mancini in Udine. The Italians remain three points behind the Group I leaders Norway, whom they meet at home next month.The bottom two teams Estonia and Moldova drew 1-1.
England have won Group K, but Serbia remain in the hunt for second place after beating Andorra 3-1 with Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic both on the scoresheet. Serbia will battle it out with Albania, one point ahead, for the runners-up spot.
Turkey remain three points behind the Group E leaders Spain after a 4-1 win against Georgia with Merih Demiral (two), Kenan Yildiz and Yunus Akgun all on target for the hosts.
