Portugal vs Hungary 3-2 was one of the most dramatic clashes in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, filled with goals, milestones, and late drama. Cristiano Ronaldo made history yet again by equalling the all-time World Cup qualifying goalscoring record, while Joao Cancelo sealed the win with a stunning late strike in Budapest. The result keeps Portugal perfect in Group F with two wins from two games, while Hungary were left heartbroken after twice leading and failing to hold on.
The game started brightly with Hungary showing no fear on home soil. In the 21st minute, the hosts took the lead when Barnabas Varga rose highest to meet Zsolt Nagy’s pinpoint cross, guiding his header past Diogo Costa. The goal stunned Portugal, who had already tested debutant goalkeeper Balazs Toth on several occasions.
Portugal, however, were not rattled. Bernardo Silva, who hadn’t scored for his country since 2021, struck back in the 36th minute. After a clever flick by Joao Cancelo, Silva unleashed a rocket into the top corner to level the game 1-1. That strike gave Portugal momentum going into the break, setting up the second half of Portugal vs Hungary 3-2 for more drama.
Match Summary – Hungary 2-3 Portugal
- Fixture: Hungary vs Portugal – FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier (Group F)
- Final Score: Hungary 2-3 Portugal
- Venue: Puskas Arena, Budapest
- Scorers (Hungary): Barnabas Varga (21’, 84’)
- Scorers (Portugal): Bernardo Silva (36’), Cristiano Ronaldo (58’ pen), Joao Cancelo (86’)
- Cristiano Ronaldo Record: Scored his 39th goal in World Cup Qualifiers, equalling Carlos Ruiz’s all-time record.
- Key Performer: Joao Cancelo – scored the match-winning goal and provided the assist for Silva’s equaliser.
- Portugal’s Status: Two wins from two matches, top of Group F with six points.
- Hungary’s Status: 1 point from 2 games, bottom half of the group
After the restart, Portugal began to dominate possession. In the 58th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo once again delivered when it mattered most. Loic Nego was adjudged to have handled inside the box, giving Portugal a penalty. Ronaldo, calm as ever, slotted home to put his team 2-1 ahead.
This goal was no ordinary strike. With it, Ronaldo equalled Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz as the joint-top scorer in World Cup qualifying history with 39 goals. At 40 years old, the Portugal captain continues to break barriers and prove his longevity on the biggest stage. His spot-kick also means he now has three goals in two qualifiers during this campaign.
Hungary did not give up despite being behind. Their fans at the Puskas Arena roared them on, and in the 84th minute, Barnabas Varga struck again. Another clever header, this time from Adam Nagy’s cross, beat Diogo Costa to bring the game level at 2-2. For a moment, it looked like Hungary would steal a famous point against one of Europe’s giants. But Portugal vs Hungary 3-2 still had one last twist.
Just two minutes after Hungary’s equaliser, Joao Cancelo produced a moment of magic. Picking up a pass from Bernardo Silva outside the box, the full-back curled a perfect shot into the bottom corner past Toth in the 86th minute. The strike silenced the home crowd and restored Portugal’s lead at 3-2.
Joao Cancelo’s goal highlighted Portugal’s resilience under Roberto Martinez. Despite being pegged back twice, they showed their attacking depth and mental strength to snatch victory in the closing stages. It was a fitting end to a rollercoaster Portugal vs Hungary 3-2 clash.
Ronaldo’s goal did more than equal a world record. It also took his international tally to 141 goals in 223 appearances, further extending his record as the highest international goalscorer of all time. With an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.03 from five shots, Ronaldo proved once again that his instincts remain unmatched.
For Portugal, the win means six points from their opening two qualifiers, after a comfortable 5-0 victory over Armenia in their first game. Sitting top of Group F, they look well on course for qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Hungary, meanwhile, are left with just one point from their opening two matches, denting their hopes of a return to the global stage.
Key Takeaways from Portugal vs Hungary 3-2
- Portugal vs Hungary 3-2 was a thrilling World Cup qualifier with five goals.
- Barnabas Varga scored twice for Hungary, both with headers.
- Bernardo Silva ended his three-year international goal drought with a superb strike.
- Cristiano Ronaldo equalled the all-time World Cup qualifying scoring record with his 39th goal.
- Joao Cancelo scored the decisive late winner in the 86th minute.
- Portugal remain unbeaten and top of Group F with two wins from two.
FAQs :
Q: Who scored for Portugal in their 3-2 win against Hungary?
A: Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Joao Cancelo were the scorers for Portugal.
Q: What record did Cristiano Ronaldo equal in the Portugal vs Hungary 3-2 match?
A: Ronaldo equalled Carlos Ruiz’s record of 39 goals, becoming joint-top scorer in World Cup qualifying history.
Q: Who was Hungary’s standout player in the match?
A: Barnabas Varga, who scored both of Hungary’s goals with excellent headers, was their standout performer.
Q: How many points does Portugal have after the win?
A: Portugal have six points from two matches in Group F, maintaining a 100% record.
Q: What minute did Joao Cancelo score the winning goal?
A: Cancelo scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute.
