Ronaldo Sets New Record as All-Time Top Scorer in World Cup Qualifiers

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has added another milestone to his legendary career, becoming the highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying history after netting twice in Portugal’s 2–2 draw against Hungary on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old scored his 40th and 41st World Cup qualifying goals, surpassing Guatemalan great Carlos Ruiz, who held the previous record with 39 goals between 1998 and 2016. The record-breaking feat came during a pulsating Group F clash at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon.

Ronaldo levelled the score in the 22nd minute, converting from Nelson Semedo’s cross to cancel out Hungary’s early opener. He then struck again before halftime, finishing a swift move orchestrated by Nuno Mendes to put Portugal 2–1 ahead going into the break.

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Despite Ronaldo’s brace, Hungary snatched a late equalizer in stoppage time through captain Dominik Szoboszlai, forcing Roberto Martínez’s side to postpone their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The result left Portugal still comfortably leading Group F, but the night belonged to Ronaldo, whose hunger for goals and longevity continue to defy age. The Al Nassr forward now boasts 143 international goals, further extending his own world record as the top men’s international scorer.

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Ronaldo, who has already appeared in five World Cups since making his debut in 2006, is targeting a historic sixth appearance at next year’s tournament, a feat that would cement his place among football’s all-time greats.

With Portugal’s qualification all but certain, attention now turns to whether the veteran star can maintain his form and fitness long enough to lead his nation once again on football’s biggest stage