A stoppage-time goal from Dominik Szoboszlai forced Portugal to a 2-2 draw with Hungary on Tuesday, delaying their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a record-breaking brace to put his team on the verge of securing their spot, but the late equalizer ensured the celebration was put on hold. Despite the result, Portugal remains in a strong position, leading Group F by five points over second-placed Hungary with two matches remaining.
Hungary took an early lead in Lisbon when defender Attila Szalai headed in a corner from Szoboszlai in the eighth minute. Ronaldo soon leveled the score, tucking home a Nelson Semedo cross in the 22nd minute. Just before halftime, the 40-year-old captain scored his second, finishing a cross from Nuno Mendes to give Portugal a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
Ronaldo’s first goal of the night was a historic one, marking his 40th in World Cup qualifiers and surpassing the previous all-time record of 39 held by Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz. The brace took his record tally to 41 goals in qualifying matches and extended his all-time leading international goal count to 143.
Portugal had several opportunities to extend their lead in the second half but were denied by the woodwork twice, with efforts from Ruben Dias and Bruno Fernandes striking the post. Hungary also came close when Szalai hit the crossbar with another header. The visitors' persistence paid off in the 91st minute when a low cross found its way to Szoboszlai at the back post, and the Liverpool midfielder finished to snatch a crucial point for his nation.
After the match, Portugal's coach Roberto Martinez expressed his disappointment. "There are no easy games... it is painful and a shame, because we wanted to qualify in front of our fans," he said. "There is a lesson that can help a lot for the future." Portugal now needs just three points from their final two games against the Republic of Ireland and Armenia to guarantee their place at the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.