Portugal defeated Hungary 3-2 in a dramatic World Cup qualifier. Ronaldo equaled the record for most goals in World Cup qualifiers. Cancelo’s late goal secured the win. Hungary showcased resilience but couldn’t maintain their leads, highlighting areas for improvement in the qualifying campaign.
Portugal secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Hungary in their recent 2026 World Cup qualifier, a match brimming with drama and punctuated by Cristiano Ronaldo's record-equalling goal. The game, a tense affair from start to finish, saw Portugal maintain their perfect start in Group F, but not without a serious challenge from a resilient Hungarian side.
The match began with Hungary seizing the initiative. A swift counter-attack in the 21st minute, spearheaded by the dynamic Dominik Szoboszlai, culminated in a well-placed header from Barnabas Varga, sending the home crowd into raptures. Portugal, however, remained composed, gradually asserting their dominance over possession and probing for weaknesses in the Hungarian defense.
Portugal's persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Bernardo Silva, after a prolonged spell of possession, found himself in the right place at the right time to fire the ball into the top corner from close range, leveling the score. Silva's goal, his first for Portugal since September 2021, injected renewed confidence into the Portuguese side as they headed into the halftime break.
The second half saw Portugal emerge with increased intensity. Roberto Martinez's tactical adjustments at halftime were evident as Portugal began to control the tempo of the game. Their efforts were rewarded just 13 minutes into the half when a handball decision went their way. Loic Nego was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area, presenting Ronaldo with a golden opportunity to make history.
Ronaldo, never one to shy away from the spotlight, stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty past Balazs Toth. The goal not only gave Portugal the lead but also saw Ronaldo equal the all-time record for goals scored in World Cup qualifiers, a testament to his enduring quality and relentless pursuit of excellence. This was his 39th goal in 49 World Cup qualifying games, putting him on par with Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz.
As the game entered its final stages, Hungary demonstrated remarkable resilience. Against the run of play, in the 84th minute, Varga rose highest to meet a cross, glancing an unstoppable header past Diogo Costa, restoring parity and igniting wild celebrations in the Puskas Arena. The Hungarian fans, sensing a potential upset, roared their team on.
However, the jubilation was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Joao Cancelo, with a moment of individual brilliance, curled a sublime effort into Toth's bottom left-hand corner, snatching the lead back for Portugal. Cancelo's stunning strike proved to be the decisive moment, securing a vital victory for Portugal and maintaining their perfect record in the World Cup qualifying campaign.
The joint top goalscorer in #FIFAWorldCup qualifying history! @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/cHspPewCkp
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 9, 2025
Data Debrief: Ronaldo's Enduring Legacy
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy expectations, adding another remarkable achievement to his illustrious career. At 40 years old, he not only equaled the record for most goals in World Cup Qualifiers with 39 goals (tying him with Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz), but also demonstrated his enduring importance to the Portuguese national team. Of his five shots, four were on target, with his expected goals (xG) reaching 1.03. His performance underscores his ability to consistently perform on the big stage, making a difference when it matters most.
For Hungary, the defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow. Despite limited opportunities, they maximized their chances, scoring twice from just two shots on target with a very low expected goals (xG) of 0.34. Their inability to hold onto leads will be a cause for concern. While their spirited performance showcased their potential, they will need to find greater consistency if they are to compete for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
This match was a captivating encounter between two determined teams. Portugal's quality ultimately prevailed, but Hungary's spirited display suggests they will be a force to be reckoned with in the remainder of the qualifying campaign.