Ronaldo nets 2, but Portugal made to wait for WC

Cristiano Ronaldos two goals in a draw against Hungary leave Portugal on the brink of FIFA World Cup qualification, despite a brief setback early in the match.

Portugal nearly secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the first half against Hungary on Tuesday in Lisbon.
Hungary initially took the lead in the match with a goal from Attila Szalai in the eighth minute before Ronaldo equalized and then put Portugal ahead.
The match ended in a draw, leaving Portugal needing just one point from their final qualifying match to guarantee their place in the FIFA World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldos two goals brought his international tally to over 130, showcasing his continued impact on the Portuguese national team.
The draw puts pressure on Portugal in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, as they must secure a favorable result to confirm their participation in the tournament.

Why It Matters

Portugals performance is crucial as they aim to secure their spot in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, a tournament that could define the careers of key players like Cristiano Ronaldo. The implications extend beyond this match, as the national teams qualification affects fan support and national pride. As the qualifiers progress, all eyes will be on Portugals next match to see if they can clinch the necessary points.