### Cristiano Ronaldo Shatters World Cup Qualifying Record Amidst Draw with Hungary Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese striker, has once again made headlines by setting a new record in World Cup qualifying history. On October 15, 2025, during a crucial match against Hungary, Ronaldo scored both of Portugal's goals, bringing his total to **41 goals in World Cup qualifiers**, thus becoming the first player ever to reach this milestone. Despite his remarkable performance, Portugal was held to a 2-2 draw, delaying their qualification for the 2026 World Cup [https://www.rediff.com/sports/report/age-40-and-still-scoring-ronaldo-makes-history/20251015.htm][https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/cristiano-ronaldo-creates-history-again-breaks-massive-world-record-becomes-first-player-in-the-world-to-score-40-goals-in-world-cup-qualifiers-article-153002760]. ### Breakdown of Ronaldo's Historic Achievement and Match Outcome 1. **Record-Breaking Goals**: - Ronaldo scored his **40th goal** in the 22nd minute, surpassing the previous record held by Carlos Ruiz of Guatemala. - He added a second goal in first-half stoppage time, extending his record to **41 goals** in World Cup qualifiers [https://apnews.com/article/cristiano-ronaldo-record-world-cup-qualifier-0389227b1b110890459c22cf5e4cb9e3]. 2. **Match Summary**: - Portugal led the match 2-1 until a last-minute equalizer from Hungary's Dominik Szoboszlai resulted in a 2-2 draw. - This draw means Portugal must wait until November to secure their spot in the upcoming World Cup [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/Portugal-held-2-2-by-Hungary-despite-Ronaldo-double]. 3. **Ronaldo's Career Milestone**: - At **40 years old**, Ronaldo continues to defy age, adding to his record of **143 international goals** overall, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time [https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/football/cristiano-ronaldo-brace-shatters-fifa-world-cup-qualifier-record-but-portugal-held-to-draw-by-last-minute-hungary-goal-101760512525008.html]. ### Supporting Evidence of Ronaldo's Impact and Portugal's Situation - **Goals in World Cup Qualifiers**: - Ronaldo's 41 goals in World Cup qualifiers set a new benchmark, showcasing his longevity and skill in international football. - **Match Statistics**: - Portugal's draw against Hungary means they remain in contention for qualification but must secure points in future matches to ensure their place in the World Cup [https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2025/10/15/cristiano-ronaldo-sets-new-scoring-record-but-portugal-forced-to-wait-to-seal-spot-at-2026-world-cup]. ### Conclusion: Ronaldo's Legacy Continues Amidst Team Challenges In summary, **Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable achievement of becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers** is a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to the sport. However, the **2-2 draw against Hungary** highlights the challenges Portugal faces as they strive for World Cup qualification. 1. Ronaldo's record-breaking goals have set a new standard in international football. 2. Portugal's inability to secure a win against Hungary complicates their qualification path. 3. Ronaldo's performance at 40 years old continues to inspire fans and players alike. As Portugal looks ahead, they must capitalize on Ronaldo's historic contributions to ensure their success in the upcoming matches [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-qualifying-portugal-hungary-ireland-spain-b2845477.html][https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15192801/Cristiano-Ronaldo-breaks-goals-record-Portugal-Hungary-World-Cup.html].