- Portugal vs Uzbekistan: Ronaldo scores a brace as Portugal dismantle Uzbekistan 5-0 to secure their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Ronaldo became the first player in history to score in six FIFA World Cups, further extending his record as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer.
- Portugal will conclude their Group K campaign against Colombia, while eliminated Uzbekistan will face DR Congo in their final group-stage match.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to become the first-ever player to score in six FIFA World Cup tournaments as Portugal dismantled Uzbekistan 5-0 for their first win of the 2026 campaign at Houston Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Call it relief after a long wait. Having been held to a frustrating draw by DR Congo in their opener, Portugal needed a response, and it took just six minutes for Ronaldo to open his account at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A brilliant move from Joao Cancelo saw the right-back surge forward before delivering a teasing cross into the path of Ronaldo. The 41-year-old forward timed his near-post run perfectly and calmly side-footed the ball past Abduvokhid Nematov for the opening goal.
Twelve minutes later, Uzbekistan conceded a dangerous free kick about 20 yards from goal after Odiljon Khamrobekov was booked for a clumsy challenge on Pedro Neto at the edge of the box.
With the set piece in prime Ronaldo territory, everyone expected the Portuguese captain to step up.
However, after his trademark preparation, Ronaldo surprisingly left the kick to Nuno Mendes, who curled a low left-footed effort around the wall and inside the post to double Portugal’s advantage.
Not many inside the stadium expected anyone other than CR7 to take it, including Nematov, who may have been caught off guard by the clever routine. Ronaldo once again showed his willingness to put the team first.
After the hydration break, the White Wolves emerged with renewed energy and enjoyed a promising spell.
They thought they had pulled a goal back when Aziz G’aniev unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner from well outside the box. However, a VAR review spotted a foul on Cancelo in the buildup, and the spectacular effort was ruled out.
Just as Uzbekistan appeared ready to dictate the tempo, Portugal struck again. Winning possession in their own half, EPL Player of the Season Bruno Fernandes drove through midfield before threading a perfectly weighted pass behind the defence.
Ronaldo raced onto it and produced a clinical right-footed finish across the goalkeeper and in off the post for his second goal of the evening and this 10th in the global stage.
Shortly after the hour mark, Portugal extended their lead from a corner. Fernandes delivered a low ball into the area, where Joao Felix, who had earlier missed a good opportunity, flicked it toward goal.
Under pressure, Abdukodir Khusanov inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing Portugal their fourth goal and capping off a dominant display by the 2025 UEFA Nations League champions.
The second half was largely controlled by Portugal, and they went on to create further chances. Ronaldo chased his hat-trick, but luck was not on his side.
They would eventually add a fifth after Nelson Semedo excelled from right-back, pulling it back into space for substitute Rafael Leao to run onto from the left, and he just smashed inside thenet.
Portugal settled for five goals and climbed to the top of Group K with four points, having been held by DR Congo in their opener.
Now they will look to build momentum on Sunday against Colombia, while Uzbekistan – already knocked out of the competition, will wrap up against DR Congo.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan – FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K Lineups (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)
- Portugal starting lineup: Diogo Costa, Joao Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Uzbekistan starting lineup: Abduvokhid Nematov, Rustam Ashurmatov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Abdukodir Khusanov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Bekhruz Karimov, Otabek Shukurov, Odiljon Khamrobekov, Eldor Shomurodov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Aziz G’aniev.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026