Joao Cancelo slotted home from the edge of the box to snatch Portugal a thrilling 3-2 win at Hungary on Tuesday, sending it top of its FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying group.
Cristiano Ronaldo was also on target as Roberto Martinez’s side secured its second win from its two opening games against the spirited host, for whom Barnabas Varga netted twice in Budapest.
Portugal leads Group F on six points from Armenia on three after its win over the Republic of Ireland earlier on.
UEFA Nations League champion Portugal was high on confidence after thumping Armenia 5-0 on Saturday and dominated possession.
AS IT HAPPENED | Hungary vs Portugal Highlights
However it was Hungary which took the lead as Ferencvaros striker Varga found a gap in Portugal’s defence and nodded home Zsolt Nagy’s cross.
Portugal responded by pouring forward and Hungary goalkeeper Balazs Toth made a stunning save to deny Ronaldo from close range after half an hour.
The visitor levelled six minutes later with Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva lashing into the roof of the net after the ball broke his way in the box.
Portugal took the lead after 58 minutes through veteran striker Ronaldo, aiming to become the first player to feature at six different World Cup finals.
Hungary, which last qualified for the World Cup in 1986 and has never beaten Portugal in 15 attempts, equalised with another Varga header from Nego’s cross after 84 minutes.
| Photo Credit:
AP
Hungary, which last qualified for the World Cup in 1986 and has never beaten Portugal in 15 attempts, equalised with another Varga header from Nego’s cross after 84 minutes.
| Photo Credit:
AP
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner won the spot-kick when his shot was handled by Loic Nego, and he squeezed it into the bottom left corner beyond Toth’s outstretched fingertips.
Ronaldo became the player who has scored the joint-most goals in World Cup qualifying history, level with retired Guatemala international Carlos Ruiz as he bagged his 39th.
Hungary, which last qualified for the World Cup in 1986 and has never beaten Portugal in 15 attempts, equalised with another Varga header from Nego’s cross after 84 minutes.
Just two minutes later Portugal stole the ball back high up the pitch and Cancelo stroked home to claim the three points.
Published on Sep 10, 2025