Ronaldo Scores Twice as Portugal Thrash Uzbekistan 5-0 in FIFA World Cup 2026

Houston:** Cristiano Ronaldo produced another outstanding performance, scoring twice as Portugal cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their opening Group K match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Portugal took control from the outset and opened the scoring in the sixth minute when 41-year-old Ronaldo found the back of the net with a superb finish.

Nuno Mendes doubled Portugal’s advantage in the 17th minute with a low strike from a free-kick, making it 2-0. Uzbekistan thought they had pulled one back in the 29th minute with a spectacular long-range effort, but the goal was ruled out for a foul.

Ronaldo struck again in the 39th minute to make it 3-0, giving Portugal a comfortable lead heading into halftime.

Portugal continued their dominance after the break. In the 60th minute, a corner from Bruno Fernandes led to an unfortunate own goal by Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov after João Félix’s backheel attempt, extending the lead to 4-0.

Rafael Leão completed the scoring in the 87th minute with a clinical finish to make it 5-0. Ronaldo came close to completing his hat-trick in stoppage time but was unable to convert his final opportunity.

The victory gave Portugal a perfect start to their World Cup campaign and highlighted Ronaldo’s enduring quality on football’s biggest stage.

The Portuguese captain also made history by becoming the first player ever to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions. Ronaldo has now scored in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 tournaments.

At 41 years of age, Ronaldo also became the second-oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, adding another remarkable achievement to his legendary career.