Nigeria TV Info

Ronaldo Equals Goalscoring Record as Portugal Defeat Hungary in World Cup Qualifier

LAGOS — Cristiano Ronaldo matched a remarkable goalscoring record as Portugal secured a narrow victory over Hungary in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter.

The 40-year-old forward found the net for the 39th time in World Cup qualifying matches, drawing level with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz as the joint-highest scorer in the history of the qualifiers. Ronaldo now stands three goals ahead of Argentina’s Lionel Messi in this category.

Beyond this feat, Ronaldo extended his all-time international record to an astonishing 141 goals in 223 appearances for Portugal — the highest tally ever recorded by a male player for his country.

Portugal’s slim win not only strengthened their qualification hopes but also reaffirmed Ronaldo’s enduring influence in global football, as he continues to set and equal records at the twilight of his career.