Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal dismantled Uzbekistan 5-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K fixture at NRG Stadium, Houston, banishing the memory of their uninspiring opening draw with DR Congo in emphatic style.

Ronaldo broke the record to become the first player in history to score at six separate World Cups when he opened the scoring in the 6th minute, latching onto a precise cross from Joao Cancelo to fire past goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov. At 41 years old, he now stands as Portugal's outright leading scorer across all World Cup tournaments.

A statement from the captain

Nuno Mendes doubled the advantage in the 17th minute with a technically superb free-kick before Ronaldo returned to the spotlight with a second goal in the 39th minute. Bruno Fernandes threaded a perfectly weighted through ball into his path, and the Portugal captain bent his run to meet it, finishing crisply across Nematov.

That second strike lifted Ronaldo's career World Cup tally to 10 goals — a personal milestone that silenced critics who had questioned manager Roberto Martinez's decision to start him following a subdued showing against DR Congo.

The 975-goal man charged toward the Portugal bench after his opener in a show of collective celebration, a reminder that this squad's ambitions extend beyond the individual.

Second half formalities

The second period offered little in the way of drama. A well-worked set-piece routine caught the Uzbekistan defence flat-footed, with Abduvohid Nematov diverting the ball into his own net in the 60th minute. Rafael Leão wrapped up the scoring in the 87th minute with a thunderous finish to make it five.

Ronaldo did have opportunities to complete a hat-trick but could not convert them. That minor frustration aside, Portugal are now firmly in the driving seat in Group K.

Lionel Messi had set the early tone at this tournament with five goals for Argentina, prompting the familiar debate over football's greatest ever player. Ronaldo's display here will ensure that conversation remains very much alive.