Cristiano Ronaldo has made World Cup history after putting Portugal ahead against Uzbekistan in their second group match of the 2026 tournament. The 41-year-old forward scored inside six minutes at the Houston Stadium, becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups.
Ronaldo silences critics with early strike
Ronaldo's place in the Portugal starting XI had been questioned by sections of the media following a quiet performance in the opening match against DR Congo. However, manager Roberto Martinez defended his captain in the pre-match press conference, stating: "Cristiano is in the national team on merit. Nobody gets into the national team by just having a name. On the field, he's a player who draws defenders and creates space for others, and for us, that's really important."
Martinez added: "It makes no sense to get the best goalscorer in world football out in a game that you need goals. A player's main weakness is usually when they don't show enough effort or don't have the right mindset. A player who doesn't show commitment or the right attitude isn't selected for the national team."
Historic goal in sixth World Cup
As expected, Martinez kept faith with Ronaldo for the clash against Uzbekistan, and that faith was rewarded inside six minutes. Showing brilliant movement inside the penalty area, Ronaldo got across his marker at the front post and swept home Joao Cancelo's cross to break the deadlock.
With that goal, Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cups. His first World Cup goal came 20 years ago against Iran, when he converted a penalty in the 80th minute to give Portugal a 2-0 win at the 2006 tournament.
Portugal doubles lead through Nuno Mendes
Ronaldo had the opportunity to double his tally shortly after his opener, but instead handed over free-kick duty to Nuno Mendes, who found the bottom corner to give Portugal a dream start in Texas. The early goals put Portugal in a strong position to secure their first win of the 2026 campaign.
