Cristiano Ronaldo delivers an optimistic 11-word message after Portugal’s World Cup qualifier draw against Hungary

Portugal ended the October international break with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Hungary in the 2026 UEFA World Cup Qualifier. After missing the chance to secure an early ticket to the tournament in North America, star forward Christiano Ronaldo delivered an optimistic eleven-word message to his teammates.

With the Republic of Ireland defeating Armenia, The stage was set for Portugal to claim three points and thus qualify for the 2026 World Cup. However, after Ronaldo scored a record-breaking brace to put Portugal ahead, Dominik Szoboszlai equalized in the 91st minute, denying the team the chance to qualify in October.

Ronaldo watched the late goal from the bench, after being substituted for Gonçalo Ramos in the 78th minute. The former Real Madrid star looked visibly frustrated after Szoboszlai’s strike, but still applauded his teammates and greeted the fans as soon as the final whistle blew.

After the match, Ronaldo posted an encouraging message to his teammates on social media: “We are getting closer to our goal! Let’s go, Portugal!The captain’s words provided a hopeful contrast to the disappointment of the result and signaled his focus on the next chance to seal qualification.

Ronaldo also became the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifiers across all confederations. But instead of focusing on that personal milestone, he chose to highlight the team’s collective goal. With just two international breaks remaining before the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo is now moving closer to history. He may become the first player ever to participate in six editions of the tournament, possibly joining Lionel Messi.

What does Portugal need to qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

With matchday 4 of UEFA World Cup qualifiers England is the only European country to have already secured a place in the tournament. Several others are on the brink of qualifying in November, and Portugal is one of them.

Portugal currently top Group D with 10 points from four matches, followed by Hungary with five, the Republic of Ireland with four and Armenia with three. Ronaldo’s team will play against Ireland on November 13 and Armenia on November 16. from those two games he needed just one point to book his place at the 2026 World Cup.

The only scenario in which Portugal would miss out on direct qualification would be if they did loses both games and Hungary reaches 11 points. Even then, Portugal would still have a second chance to qualify via the play-off route during the March international break.