Ronaldo scores twice in 5-0 rout of Uzbekistan, sets six World Cup records
Synopsis
Ronaldo silenced doubters in Houston with a brace against Uzbekistan, becoming the first footballer to score in six World Cups and overtaking Eusebio as Portugal's all-time top scorer at the finals — all while insisting the team's objectives matter more than his own records. With Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland already grabbing headlines, the 41-year-old's response was emphatic.
Key Takeaways
Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 6th and 39th minutes as Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Houston on 24 June .
Ronaldo became the first player in history to score in six World Cups and the second-oldest scorer in tournament history, behind Roger Milla .
His 10th World Cup goal makes him Portugal's all-time leading scorer at the finals, surpassing Eusebio 's nine goals.
Coach Roberto Martinez praised the team's maturity and attitude after the opening 1-1 draw with Congo DR .
Rafa Leao and Nuno Mendes also contributed; Uzbekistan 's campaign now hangs in the balance after their second defeat.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal demolished Uzbekistan 5-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage fixture in Houston on 24 June, with the 41-year-old breaking multiple tournament records and insisting that team objectives mattered more than personal milestones. The commanding win revived Portugal's campaign after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Congo DR in their opener.
Record-Breaking Night for Ronaldo
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a close-range finish from Joao Cancelo's cross, becoming the first player in history to score in six FIFA World Cups. The goal also made him the second-oldest scorer in World Cup history, behind Cameroon's Roger Milla.
He added a second in the 39th minute — a composed strike into the corner just before half-time — to claim his 10th World Cup goal, overtaking the legendary Eusebio (nine goals) as Portugal's all-time leading scorer at the global finals. Playing in his sixth World Cup, Ronaldo had visibly struggled in the opener against Congo DR, making the relief on his face after the first goal unmistakable.
How Portugal Built the 5-0
Ronaldo also played a key role in Portugal's second goal, acting as a decoy that created space for Nuno Mendes's brilliant free-kick. An Uzbekistan own goal midway through the second half made it four, before Rafa Leao capped the rout with a fifth in the 87th minute.
Uzbekistan — making their World Cup debut — briefly thought they had found the net with a long-range strike from Azizjon Ganiev, but the effort was ruled out for a foul. The debutants' campaign now hangs in the balance.
What Ronaldo Said After the Match
'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. As the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining,' Ronaldo said after the final whistle.
'Obviously, speaking personally, records are always nice, but my goal is always to help the national team achieve its objectives,' he added.
Martinez Pleased With Portugal's Response
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised the maturity his squad showed after the stumble against Congo DR. 'This was the response we had in the dressing room. There are times when you need a game like the first one 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,' Martinez said.
This win firmly repositions Portugal in the tournament, with Ronaldo's record haul arriving at a moment when Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland had dominated the early World Cup headlines. Portugal's next fixture will be a critical test of whether Tuesday's performance signals a genuine resurgence.
Point of View
But context matters: Uzbekistan are a debutant side with limited top-tier pedigree, and Portugal had already been held by Congo DR. The real measure of this Portugal side — and of Ronaldo's influence at 41 — will come against stronger opposition in the knockout rounds. The records are genuinely historic, but they arrived against the most accommodating opponent in the group. Martinez's framing of the Congo DR draw as a 'growth moment' is tactically convenient; the harder question is whether an ageing Ronaldo can sustain this output when the defensive quality rises sharply. The tournament's verdict on him is still open.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What records did Cristiano Ronaldo break against Uzbekistan at the 2026 World Cup?
Ronaldo became the first player to score in six FIFA World Cups and the second-oldest scorer in World Cup history, behind Cameroon's Roger Milla. He also claimed his 10th World Cup goal, surpassing Eusebio as Portugal's all-time leading scorer at the finals.
What was the final score between Portugal and Uzbekistan at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match in Houston on 24 June. Ronaldo scored twice, with Nuno Mendes, an Uzbekistan own goal, and Rafa Leao adding the rest.
How did Ronaldo react to his record-breaking performance?
Ronaldo said records are 'always nice' but stressed that his primary goal is to help Portugal achieve its objectives. He credited the team's collective work and confidence as the most important factor in the win.
Why did Portugal need a big win against Uzbekistan?
Portugal had drawn 1-1 with Congo DR in their opening match, a result coach Roberto Martinez later described as a necessary experience for the team to grow in the tournament. The Uzbekistan win revived their campaign.
Who else scored for Portugal in the 5-0 win over Uzbekistan?
Nuno Mendes scored with a free-kick, an Uzbekistan own goal added a fourth, and Rafa Leao scored the fifth in the 87th minute. Ronaldo contributed to the second goal by acting as a decoy for Mendes's strike.
