Ronaldo nets another record, RSL celebrates multiple World Cup success

Another week, it seems, another Cristiano Ronaldo record.

The Al Nassr captain, already the top scorer in the history of men’s international football, was at it again on Tuesday night, this time netting a double in Portugal’s 2-2 draw with Hungary in qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The double lifted Ronaldo to 41 goals in World Cup qualifying and thus moved him clear at the summit of the previous record holder, former Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz who notched 39.

Ronaldo’s brace also took him to 143 international goals for Portugal and to 948 in his professional career as he marches ever closer to that 1,000-goal mark.

The five-time Ballon d’Or has started the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League on fire, with four goals in the opening four matchweeks as he chases down a third successive golden boot.

On Tuesday, Portugal were ultimately denied the win they needed to secure a spot at next summer’s FIFA World Cup - Hungary equalised in the 91st minute - although they still hold a five-point lead at the top of their Group F with two matches to go.

Elsewhere, the RSL was of course celebrating representatives reaching the global finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Saudi Arabia leading the way following their 0-0 draw with Iraq at a packed Alinma Stadium in Jeddah.

The Green Falcons, with Al Hilal captain Salem Al Dawsari getting Man of the Match, will now contest a third successive FIFA World Cup – and seventh overall.

There was joy on Tuesday, too, for Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and South Africa, who all secured passage to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning delight for Al Ahli’s Franck Kessie and Edouard Mendy, Al Nassr’s Sadio Mane, Al Hilal’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Al Ettifaq’s Mohau Nkota.

Kessie opening the scoring for Cote d’Ivoire in their 3-0 home win against Kenya, while Mane continued his early season form with two goals in Senegal’s 4-0 victory against Mauritania.

There was also World Cup qualification joy for Al Ahli’s Riyad Mahrez, who days before helped Algeria clinch a spot at next year’s showpiece - Al Ittihad’s Houssem Aouar missed the Somalia match - and rising Al Qadsiah starlet Christopher Bonsu Baah.

The summer signing to the RSL was part of the Ghana team who on Sunday made it to a fifth global finals in the country's history.