Ronaldo Secures Record Sixth World Cup Bid as Ireland Stuns Hungary
Portugal has clinched a spot in the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with a dominant 9-1 victory over Armenia on Sunday. Despite a suspension that kept Cristiano Ronaldo out of the match in Porto, the Portuguese squad ensured the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will have the opportunity to compete in a record sixth World Cup tournament.
The upcoming tournament, kicking off next June, will see Ronaldo, age 41, potentially make his final attempt to capture the one major title that has eluded him throughout his illustrious career. While his participation hinges on maintaining his fitness, he is widely expected to be included in coach Roberto Martinez’s squad. However, a prior sending-off in Portugal’s 2-0 loss to Ireland on Thursday leaves him facing a potential two-match suspension.
A surprising defeat to Ireland initially complicated Portugal’s path to securing first place in Group F. However, hat tricks from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves on Sunday eliminated any doubt, delivering a decisive victory. “Today we saw our team back to its best: committed, supportive and executing the game plan excellently,” Martinez told broadcaster RTP.
Meanwhile, Ireland experienced a dramatic turn of fortune, overcoming Hungary 3-2 in Budapest after a stunning late comeback. Troy Parrott emerged as the hero for the Irish, scoring a hat trick that included an 80th-minute equalizer and a winning goal in the sixth minute of added time. This victory secured Ireland second place in the group and a coveted spot in the playoffs.
Ronaldo and his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, are both poised to surpass the record of German legend Lothar Mattheus, who participated in five World Cups, should they both feature in next year’s competition. Defending champions Argentina have already secured their place following their triumph in Qatar in 2022, where Messi finally achieved his career-long ambition of leading his nation to a World Cup title.
Ronaldo’s trophy cabinet already boasts an impressive collection, including the European Championship and two Nations League titles with Portugal, alongside five Champions League titles and league championships in England, Spain, and Italy. Despite now playing in Saudi Arabia, he continues to add to his legacy, having recently become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifying matches with 41 goals.
Sunday’s match saw Fernandes convert two penalties, while Neves scored twice in the first half and completed his hat trick in the 81st minute. Ireland’s remarkable week culminated in a playoff berth, fueled by Parrott’s five goals in two games, including both goals in the 2-0 win over Portugal and the decisive strikes against Hungary. When trailing 2-1 in the 80th minute at the Puskas Arena, he once again proved his country’s hero, first lifting the ball over Hungary goalkeeper Denes Dibusz to equalize and then converting a close-range winner in added time.
