Portugal wrapped up its October worldwide break with an exhilarating 2-2 draw in opposition to Hungary within the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers. After lacking the possibility to safe an early ticket to the match in North America, star ahead Cristiano Ronaldo delivered an optimistic 11-word message to his teammates.
With the Republic of Eire defeating Armenia, the stage was set for Portugal to say three factors, and with them, qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Nonetheless, after Ronaldo scored a record-breaking brace to present Portugal the lead, Dominik Szoboszlai equalized within the 91st minute, denying the staff an opportunity to clinch qualification in the course of the October window.
Ronaldo watched the late objective from the bench, having been substituted within the 78th minute for Gonçalo Ramos. The previous Actual Madrid star appeared visibly annoyed after Szoboszlai’s strike however nonetheless applauded his teammates and saluted the followers as soon as the ultimate whistle blew.
After the sport, Ronaldo took to social media to put up an encouraging message to his teammates: “We’re getting nearer and nearer to our objective! Let’s go, Portugal!” The captain’s phrases provided a hopeful distinction to the frustration of the consequence, signaling his concentrate on the following alternative to seal qualification.
Ronaldo additionally turned the all-time main goalscorer in World Cup qualifiers throughout all confederations. But as a substitute of specializing in that non-public milestone, he selected to focus on the staff’s collective objective. With simply two worldwide breaks remaining earlier than the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo is now closing in on historical past — doubtlessly turning into the primary participant ever to seem in six editions of the match, probably alongside Lionel Messi.
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What does Portugal have to qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
With Matchday 4 of the UEFA World Cup qualifiers full, England is the one European nation to have already secured a spot within the match. A number of others are getting ready to qualification in November, and Portugal is amongst them.
Portugal presently sits atop Group D with 10 factors from 4 matches, adopted by Hungary with 5, the Republic of Eire with 4, and Armenia with three. Ronaldo’s facet will face Eire on November 13 and Armenia on November 16, needing only one level from these two video games to guide its place on the 2026 World Cup.
The one situation by which Portugal may miss out on direct qualification can be in the event that they lose each matches and Hungary reaches 11 factors. Even then, Portugal would nonetheless have a second probability to qualify by the playoff route within the March worldwide break.
