2026 WCQ: Ronaldo Equals Carlos Ruiz’s Goals Record, Eyeing For Record Breaking

2026 WCQ: Ronaldo Equals Carlos Ruiz’s Goals Record, Eyeing For Record Breaking

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has matched the World Cup qualifying goals record set by Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz, both now standing at 39.

The Al-Nassr striker reached the milestone after converting a penalty in Portugal’s 3-2 victory over Hungary in Budapest on Tuesday.

The game at the Puskás Arena saw the hosts take the lead, lose it, and later equalise, before João Cancelo’s 86th-minute strike sealed the win for Portugal.

Ronaldo, a five-time Balon d’or winner now needs just one more goal to become the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying history.

He still has four opportunities in Portugal’s 2026 qualifying campaign, with fixtures against Ireland (twice), Hungary, and Armenia.