Cristiano Ronaldo scores in a record sixth FIFA World Cup, firing Portugal to an early lead against Uzbekistan in the 2026 tournament.
The 41-year-old captain opened the scoring within the first five minutes of Tuesday’s Group stage clash in North America, silencing recent critics after Portugal’s goalless draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opening match.
They doubled their lead in the 17th minute in Houston with Nuno Mendes scoring directly with a low free-kick from 20 yards out.
Uzbekistan thought they had a wonderful reply as Aziz G’aniev spectacularly shot into the net, but the effort was ruled out because Abbosbek Fayzullaev had fouled Cancelo.
Ronaldo got his second and Portugal’s third in the 39th minute when Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes gained possession in the centre circle and slid a pass through to him, with the Portugal captain slipping a precise finish into the bottom corner.
Goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov scored an own goal when Uzbekistan failed to deal with a corner, with the ball bouncing off him last for Portugal’s fourth, before substitute Rafael Leao smashed in a late fifth to seal the rout.
The three points took Portugal top of Group K, although Colombia will move above them if they beat DR Congo later on Wednesday (03:00 BST), while Uzbekistan remain without a point after two games.
Ronaldo’s landmark goal makes him the first footballer to have found the net in six different editions of the World Cup, extending a career defined by longevity and relentless achievement.
On Monday, Argentina’s Lionel Messi became the top scorer in World Cup history with a double against Austria to take his total to 18. However, Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, has only scored at five of the six tournaments he has played in, failing to register in 2010.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo had endured a barren run, going four matches without a goal for Portugal and 10 straight games scoreless at major tournaments prior to this strike. His previous major tournament goal came in Portugal’s opener at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The result boosts Portugal’s campaign as they seek to advance from the group stage in the expanded 2026 competition hosted across North America.
