Ronaldo creates world cup history as Portugal thrash Uzbekistan 5-0

Cristiano Ronaldo created history by becoming the first footballer to score goals in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. The 41-year-old achieved the milestone after scoring twice in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan in their Group K match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Houston Stadium in Texas. He was also named the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.

With his two goals, Ronaldo also moved ahead of Lionel Messi in this particular World Cup record. After finding the net, he celebrated with his trademark “SIUUU” celebration. However, Messi still holds the record for the most goals in FIFA World Cup history.

Portugal dominated the match from the opening whistle. Ronaldo gave his team the lead in the sixth minute before Nuno Mendes doubled the advantage in the 17th minute. Ronaldo struck again in the 39th minute to make it 3-0 and came close to completing a hat-trick, but his effort was cleared off the goal line.

Portugal continued their strong performance in the second half. An own goal by Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov in the 60th minute made it 4-0 before Rafael Leao added the fifth goal in the 87th minute. The victory took Portugal to four points in Group K.

The performance also answered Ronaldo’s critics after Portugal’s previous 1-1 draw against Congo, where he was unable to make much impact. Portugal will now face Colombia in their final group-stage match in Miami next Saturday, while Uzbekistan will take on Congo in Atlanta.