Hyderabad: Cristiano Ronaldo answered questions over his form in emphatic fashion, scoring twice as Portugal crushed Uzbekistan 5 0 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match and setting a new tournament record in the process.
The Portugal captain, who came under criticism after failing to score in the team’s opening match against DR Congo, responded with two first half goals in Houston. The brace helped Portugal register their first win of the tournament and strengthened their chances of reaching the knockout stage.
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute after meeting a low cross from Joao Cancelo inside the box. He struck again in the 39th minute to double his tally and underline Portugal’s control of the match. Nuno Mendes, an own goal from Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov and a late goal from Rafael Leao completed the rout.
Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six World Cups
Ronaldo’s first goal made him the first footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cups, extending a remarkable record that began with his tournament debut in 2006. The strike also took his World Cup tally to 10 goals, making him Portugal’s highest scorer in World Cup history and moving him past Eusebio’s previous mark.
At 41 years and 138 days, Ronaldo also became one of the oldest scorers in World Cup history, adding another milestone to a career that has already spanned two decades at the highest level. His performance came after criticism over his goalless outing against DR Congo and a run of 10 matches without a goal at major finals.
Portugal dominated from the start and created a string of chances against an outclassed Uzbekistan side. Roberto Martinez’s team showed more sharpness and urgency than in their opening draw, with Ronaldo at the centre of the attack and Bruno Fernandes, Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes all playing key roles in the win.
The result lifted Portugal to four points in Group K and put the side back on track after its slow start to the tournament. With Ronaldo rediscovering his scoring touch, Portugal will head into its next group match with renewed confidence as it looks to secure a place in the Round of 32.
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