Cristiano Ronaldo opened his 2026 FIFA World Cup account in style, scoring twice as Portugal routed Uzbekistan, 5-0, on June 24.
After a quiet performance in Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo, Ronaldo faced heavy criticism and questions over whether the 41-year-old should still lead the line. He answered in only six minutes, sweeping in a first-time finish from João Cancelo’s cross to give Portugal an early lead.
Nuno Mendes doubled the advantage with a free kick before Ronaldo struck again before halftime, finishing after a well-timed pass from Bruno Fernandes. An own goal from Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov and a late Rafael Leão goal completed the dominant win.
“I’m very happy but the most important thing is the work the team did and the confidence it gives us,” Ronaldo said after the match. “Obviously personal records are always nice but my goal is always to help the team achieve its objectives.”
Ronaldo Answers Critics With Sixth World Cup Scoring Record
With his first goal, Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments, adding another record to a career that has already stretched across more than two decades at the top level. His brace also moved him past Eusébio as Portugal’s all-time leading World Cup scorer.
The performance came after what Ronaldo described as a difficult week for the team.
“We had to get through many obstacles during the week but the team worked very well, we improved a lot,” he said. “It was difficult, but we’re back.”
For Portugal, the victory was more than a response to criticism. It put the team in a stronger position in Group K and showed that Ronaldo can still shape games on the World Cup stage.
Portugal will next face Colombia on June 28, Philippine time.
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