Cristiano Ronaldo Shines with Two Goals in Portugal’s 5-0 Victory

Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his enduring prowess on the football field during Portugal’s opening match in the UEFA qualifying rounds for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 39-year-old forward scored two goals in a commanding 5-0 victory against Armenia, further extending his record international tally to 140 goals and moving within one goal of Carlos Ruiz’s all-time World Cup qualifying record of 39 goals.

In this decisive match held in New Delhi, Ronaldo’s performance not only highlighted his individual brilliance but also set a strong tone for Portugal in Group F. He was joined on the scoresheet by Joao Felix, who also netted twice, and Joao Cancelo, who contributed one goal, as coach Roberto Martinez’s team aimed to assert their dominance early in the qualifying stages.

Drama in Dublin as Ireland Fights Back

Meanwhile, the day’s most thrilling encounter took place in Dublin, where the Republic of Ireland staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Hungary. The visitors initially took control with early goals from Barnabas Varga and Roland Sallai, putting them ahead comfortably. However, Ireland responded with determination; Evan Ferguson narrowed the gap shortly after halftime, before Hungary’s Sallai received a red card. In a dramatic finish, Adam Idah scored deep into stoppage time, securing a hard-fought point for the hosts.

Other matches in the qualifiers also featured significant results. Austria maintained their perfect start in Group H by defeating Cyprus 1-0, thanks to a penalty from Marcel Sabitzer after Christoph Baumgartner was fouled. Bosnia and Herzegovina continued their strong performance, dominating San Marino with a crushing 6-0 victory, led by Edin Dzeko’s two goals in the second half. This win marked their fourth consecutive victory, keeping them firmly at the top of their group.

England and Serbia Keep Their Momentum

In Group K, England continued their flawless run under coach Thomas Tuchel, securing a 2-0 win over Andorra. An early own goal by Christian Garcia set the Three Lions on their way, and Declan Rice confirmed the victory with a second-half header. Serbia also remained in contention, narrowly defeating Latvia 1-0 with Dusan Vlahovic scoring the decisive goal early in the match.

With Portugal, England, Austria, and Bosnia making strong statements in their respective groups, and Ireland’s late fightback adding an element of drama, the journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is off to an intense start. As the qualifying matches progress, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and standout performances from top players around the globe.