Cristiano Ronaldo added another chapter to his remarkable career by setting a new FIFA World Cup record during Portugal’s dominant win over Uzbekistan in Group K of the 2026 tournament.
The Portuguese captain opened the scoring early in the match and became the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions. Ronaldo has now found the net in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups, achieving a feat unmatched by any other player.
The goal was also significant for another reason. It took Ronaldo’s World Cup tally to nine goals, drawing level with Portuguese legend Eusebio as one of the country's highest scorers in World Cup history.
Ronaldo silences doubts
Ronaldo entered the match after a relatively quiet performance in Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo. Questions had been raised about the 41-year-old’s role in the team, but he delivered the perfect response on the pitch.
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The veteran striker met a precise cross from João Cancelo and finished confidently to give Portugal an early lead. The goal settled Portugal and set the tone for what became a one-sided contest.
RONALDO x SIUUU! 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/jl7P753dHJ
— World Cup 2026 (@WorldCupMedia) June 23, 2026
Ronaldo was not done yet. He added a second goal later in the first half, helping Portugal take complete control of the game before the break.
Portugal secured a commanding victory
Portugal dominated possession and created chances throughout the match, leaving Uzbekistan with little room to recover. The European side continued to press forward after halftime and extended its advantage with a series of well-worked attacks.
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Nuno Mendes was among the scorers, while Portugal’s attacking unit consistently troubled the Uzbek defence. The result was never in doubt as Portugal comfortably cruised to a 5-0 victory.
The win strengthened Portugal’s position in Group K and boosted its chances of progressing to the knockout stage. More importantly, it provided another historic moment for Ronaldo, who continues to break records even in the later stages of his career.
With his latest achievement, Ronaldo has once again underlined his status as one of football’s greatest players, becoming the first footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cups.
