Cristiano Ronaldo Makes World Cup Qualifying History
Cristiano Ronaldo added another landmark to an already legendary career on October 14, 2025, when his first-half brace for Portugal against Hungary saw him become the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. Ronaldo reached and then extended the mark during the 2–2 UEFA Group F draw at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon. 0
Key facts at a glance
- Record set: All-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers.
- Goals in qualifiers after the match: 41 (Ronaldo scored his 40th and then his 41st in the same game). 1
- Match: Portugal 2–2 Hungary, José Alvalade Stadium, Lisbon — October 14, 2025. 2
- Previous record: Held by Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala), which Ronaldo first equalled and then surpassed. 3
How the record unfolded
Portugal trailed early, but Ronaldo tapped home an equaliser in the 22nd minute — that goal was reported as his 40th in World Cup qualifying, moving him level with then-surpassing the longstanding mark previously associated with Carlos Ruiz. He then added a second goal deep into first-half stoppage time to push the tally to 41. Despite Ronaldo’s brace putting Portugal ahead, Hungary salvaged a 2–2 draw with a late equaliser. 4
Why this matters historically
World Cup qualifying spans decades and confederations, so being the top scorer in that competition category is notable because those goals come in different formats, opponents and eras — from CONMEBOL and UEFA to CONCACAF and CAF qualifying paths. Ronaldo’s new mark is a testament to his longevity and consistency at the international level: he has scored in qualifying campaigns across multiple World Cup cycles. Reputable outlets including Reuters, AP and ESPN reported and contextualised the milestone immediately after the match. 5
Where Ronaldo stands among other greats
Comparisons in this specific metric (World Cup qualifying goals) often mention other legends — for example Lionel Messi and past greats — but Ronaldo’s 41 goals place him at the top of this particular leaderboard. While overall international-goal rankings (all competitions and friendlies) are discussed separately, the World Cup-qualifying record is a distinct and historic achievement in its own right. 6
Quick timeline of the milestone
- Before match (Oct 14, 2025): Ronaldo was close to the World Cup qualifying record and reported to be level with or just behind the top mark, depending on the stat provider.
- 22nd minute: Ronaldo scored to reach 40 qualifying goals — reported as breaking the tie with Carlos Ruiz. 7
- First-half stoppage: Ronaldo scored again to make it 41 qualifying goals. 8
Implications for Portugal’s 2026 campaign
Although the historic personal achievement dominated headlines, the draw meant Portugal did not immediately secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The result left Portugal needing to conclude their group campaign to confirm a place in next summer’s finals. Coverage from outlets such as Reuters and AP highlighted that the team would have to wait until subsequent fixtures to clinch qualification. 9
Final thoughts
Records like this are part of what define footballing legacies. Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability to keep setting—and then extending—benchmarks at age 40 underlines a career built on longevity, elite finishing and an aptitude for turning big moments into headline achievements. Whether you’re a neutral, a Portugal fan, or a follower of football history, this mark is another entry in a career that will be studied for years to come.