Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, Breaks World Cup Qualifying Scoring Record; Hits 143 International Goals

LISBON — Soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo set yet another monumental benchmark in his illustrious career on Tuesday, becoming the all-time top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying history.

The 40-year-old Portuguese striker netted twice in a 2-2 draw against Hungary, raising his tally to 41 goals, surpassing the previous record of 39 held by Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz. The two goals also extended his record as the men’s highest international scorer to a phenomenal 143 goals.

“It is no secret that representing the National Team means a lot to me, and that’s why I’m very proud to have reached this unique milestone for Portugal,” Ronaldo wrote on social media.

Ronaldo broke the record in the 22nd minute with a simple close-range tap-in, capitalizing on a brilliant low cross from Nelson Semedo. He extended the new mark moments before halftime, finishing a cross from Nuno Mendes to give Portugal a 2-1 lead.

Ronaldo has now scored a record 41 times in World Cup qualifying matches.

His consistency and longevity at age 40 continue to defy expectations, with his current goal tally spanning multiple decades of World Cup campaigns.

Despite Ronaldo’s heroics, the goals were not enough to secure the win, as Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai netted a stoppage-time equalizer in the 91st minute to end the match 2-2.

The draw means the Seleção has not yet mathematically qualified for the 2026 World Cup. However, the team remains five points clear of Hungary in Group F of UEFA qualification with two matches left.

Portugal will have its next chance to stamp its ticket to the tournament when it faces the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on November 13. Left-back Nuno Mendes acknowledged the team’s slip-up: “After the second goal, we slowed down the tempo and they profited. We need to stay focused and, in November, do things correctly.”