Introduction
In a thrilling encounter on October 14, 2025, Portugal and Hungary played to a 2-2 draw at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, leaving Portugal on the cusp of securing their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite a historic performance from Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice, Hungary managed to level the game in stoppage time, ensuring the battle for qualification remains intense.
Portugal vs Hungary: Match Overview
The match began with Hungary taking an early lead through Attila Szalai. However, Portugal responded swiftly, with Cristiano Ronaldo equalizing in the 22nd minute, becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifiers with 40 goals, surpassing Carlos Ruiz. Ronaldo added a second goal in first-half stoppage time, giving Portugal a 2-1 advantage. Despite dominating much of the second half and hitting the woodwork twice, Portugal conceded a late goal in stoppage time from Dominik Szoboszlai, who capitalized on a defensive lapse. Portugal now sit on 10 points from four matches, five ahead of second-placed Hungary, with both teams having two games left. Ireland trail in third with four points. Portugal will have to wait until November to attempt clinching qualification.
Cristiano Ronaldo: A Historic Night
Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance was the highlight of the match. With his brace, he not only secured a point for Portugal but also etched his name further into football history. His 41 goals in 50 World Cup qualifying appearances now stand as the benchmark, surpassing the previous record of 39 goals held by Carlos Ruiz. This achievement extends his lead over Lionel Messi, who has 36 goals in 72 qualifiers. At 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to defy age and expectations, with 143 goals in 225 caps since debuting in 2003. He aims to appear in his sixth World Cup finals next summer.
Portugal’s World Cup Qualification Journey
Despite the draw, Portugal remains atop their group and is close to securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. With two games remaining, Portugal needs just one win to guarantee a World Cup spot. The team’s performance, especially in the first half, showcased their attacking prowess, but the late equalizer from Hungary highlighted areas for improvement in defense. The upcoming matches will be crucial for Portugal to solidify their position and ensure their place in the tournament.
Hungary’s Resilience
Hungary’s late equalizer demonstrated their resilience and determination. Despite being dominated for much of the match, they capitalized on a defensive lapse from Portugal to secure a valuable point. With two games remaining, Hungary sits five points behind Portugal and will be aiming to close the gap and challenge for a qualification spot. Their performance in Lisbon has given them renewed hope in the qualification race.
Where to Watch Portugal vs Hungary
For fans looking to catch the action, the Portugal vs Hungary match was available to stream in the United Kingdom via Amazon Prime Video. While a Prime subscription wasn’t needed to access the stream for Saturday’s game, an Amazon account was required to purchase the £2.49 pay-per-view (PPV). Prime Video also offered the match in the United States and Canada.
Conclusion
The 2-2 draw between Portugal and Hungary was a testament to the unpredictability of football. While Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic brace was a highlight, the late equalizer from Hungary ensured that the qualification race remains open. As both teams look ahead to their remaining fixtures, the outcome of this match has added an extra layer of intrigue to the World Cup qualification process.
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