Cristiano Ronaldo breaks record but Portugal let lead slip against Hungary

Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record for World Cup qualifying goals but Group F leaders Portugal were denied early World Cup qualification by a late Hungary equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw.

Two Ronaldo goals – the first his 40th in qualifying to set the new landmark – put Portugal on the brink of qualification but Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai struck in added time.

Republic of Ireland moved to within a point of second-placed Hungary with a 1-0 win over 10-man Armenia.

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino extended his remarkable scoring spree to six goals in the last four World Cup qualifying matches with two headers in the 4-0 win against Bulgaria.

An Atanas Chernev own goal and late Mikel Oyarzabal penalty maintained Spain’s 100 per cent record, having yet to concede, in Group E.

Turkey remain three points behind after a 4-1 over Georgia with Merih Demiral (two), Kenan Yildiz and Yunus Akgun all on target for the hosts.

Italy kept alive their hopes of qualifying automatically with a 3-0 win over Israel courtesy of two goals from Mateo Retegui and a late header from Gianluca Mancini.

They remain three points behind Group I leaders Norway, whom they meet at home next month. Bottom two teams Estonia and Moldova drew 1-1.

In Group K Serbia remain in the hunt for second place after beating Andorra 3-1 with Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic both on the scoresheet.

With England securing qualification after a 5-0 win over Latvia, Serbia will battle it out with Albania, one point ahead, for the runners-up spot.

Outside of Europe, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Qatar and Saudi Arabia all booked their place at the 2026 finals on Tuesday.