Portugal national football team were just minutes away from securing early qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But in a dramatic twist at Estádio José Alvalade, the Hungary national football team struck in stoppage time to seal a 2–2 draw, stunning the home crowd and delaying Portugal’s celebrations.
Despite a brilliant first-half brace from captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who also set a new World Cup qualifying scoring record, Hungary’s grit and determination paid off in the dying seconds of the game.
Hungary came out aggressively, refusing to sit back against the group leaders. Their strategy paid off early. In the 8th minute, star midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai whipped in a corner from the left, finding Ádám Szalai at the back post. Rising above the defence, Szalai powered in a header to give the visitors a 1–0 lead, silencing the home fans.
Ronaldo Responds in Style
Portugal didn’t take long to respond. In the 22nd minute, Nelson Semedo’s low cross caused chaos in the box, and Ronaldo ghosted in at the far post to calmly slot the ball home. It was his 40th goal in World Cup qualifying, moving him past Ali Daei as the competition’s all-time top scorer.
The momentum swung firmly in Portugal’s favour, and just before halftime, Ronaldo struck again. In stoppage time, Nuno Mendes curled in a pinpoint cross from the left, and the captain met it with a clinical finish to make it 2–1. The stadium erupted. Portugal looked on track to punch their ticket to the World Cup.
Missed Chances and Late Heartbreak
Portugal continued to dominate after the break, with João Félix and Bruno Fernandes creating several dangerous chances. The best of them came in the 67th minute when Rúben Dias rattled the post with a powerful shot, a moment that would come back to haunt them.
Hungary, meanwhile, remained disciplined and patient, looking for opportunities on the counter. And when the clock ticked into stoppage time, they found their moment.
In the 90+1st minute, Lukács sprinted down the right wing and delivered a teasing low cross. After a scramble in the box, the ball fell perfectly for Szoboszlai at the far post. He slid in and fired it past the helpless keeper to make it 2–2, sending the Hungarian bench into wild celebrations and leaving Portuguese players on the turf in disbelief.
The draw means Portugal sits on 10 points after four games (three wins and one draw) and remains top of Group F, but their early qualification hopes will have to wait. Hungary, now on 5 points, kept their World Cup dream alive with a statement performance.
Ronaldo Breaks Another Record, But Portugal Learn a Tough Lesson
While the result was disappointing for the home side, Ronaldo’s two goals were historic. His tally of 41 World Cup qualifying goals cements his place as the all-time top scorer in the competition’s history, another milestone in a legendary career.
But the match also served as a wake-up call. Even with star power and home advantage, complacency can be costly. To secure their place in 2026, Portugal will need to tighten up defensively and finish off their chances in the matches ahead.
