Ronaldo Equals Record as World Cup Qualifiers’ Top Scorer
Last update: September 10, 2025
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Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 39 World Cup qualifying goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo matched a historic goalscoring record as Portugal edged Hungary in their 2026 World Cup qualifier.
The 40-year-old striker scored his 39th World Cup qualifying goal, drawing level with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz as the all-time joint-top scorer in the competition and moving three clear of Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
CBI News reports that Ronaldo, who now has 141 goals in 223 international appearances the most by any male player, converted a penalty in the 58th minute at the Puskás Arena after Barnabás Varga’s early strike was cancelled out by Bernardo Silva.
Varga struck again late on to bring Hungary level in the 84th minute, but João Cancelo responded almost immediately to secure a dramatic win for Roberto Martínez’s side.
Just days earlier, Ronaldo had scored twice in Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Armenia, a result that, combined with Tuesday’s win, leaves them top of Group F with six points from two games.
Hungary sit third with one point, level with the Republic of Ireland, who fell 2-1 to Armenia.
