Ronaldo Brace Fires Portugal Past Uzbekistan, Becomes First Player to Score in Six World Cups

Cristiano Ronaldo announced his arrival at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a brilliant brace as Portugal swept aside Uzbekistan 5-0 in Group K at Houston Stadium.

The 41-year-old legend, playing in his sixth World Cup finals, opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a close-range finish from João Cancelo’s cross.

The strike was historic, making Ronaldo the first player ever to score in six World Cups and the second-oldest scorer in tournament history, behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla.

Inspired, Ronaldo added a second just before half-time with a precise effort into the corner, his 10th World Cup goal, surpassing Eusébio as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer in the competition.

In between, Nuno Mendes curled home a superb free-kick, while Portugal’s fourth came via an Uzbekistan own goal. Rafael Leão completed the rout in the 87th minute.

Uzbekistan thought they had pulled one back through Azizjon Ganiev’s long-range strike, but the effort was ruled out for a foul. The debutants remain winless after two matches, their campaign hanging in the balance.

Ronaldo reflected on the performance with satisfaction.

‘I’m very happy. But for me, the most important thing is our work and the confidence we showed. The team performed really well and improved a lot. Records are always nice, but my goal is always to help the national team achieve its objectives,’ he said.

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez praised the response after a frustrating opening draw.

‘There are times when you need a game like the first one in order to grow in the tournament. Today we saw a team with the same attitude and commitment, but with greater maturity because it was no longer the opening match. I’m very pleased with the result,’ he noted.