Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name deeper into football history on Tuesday, becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments after finding the net in Portugal's 2026 World Cup Group K clash against Uzbekistan.
The 41-year-old forward struck inside the opening six minutes at Houston Stadium, extending a remarkable World Cup scoring streak that began in 2006. Ronaldo scored once in Germany 2006, added another in South Africa 2010, found the net again in Brazil 2014, scored four goals in Russia 2018, added another in Qatar 2022, and has now carried that record into the 2026 tournament.
The goal also marked another milestone in a career spanning more than two decades. Ronaldo, who remains international football's all-time leading scorer with 144 goals, ended a run of 10 matches without a goal at a major tournament. His previous World Cup goal had come in Portugal's 3-2 victory over Ghana in their opening match of the 2022 edition.
Portugal entered the contest looking for their first win of the tournament after being held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening fixture, while Uzbekistan were attempting to recover from a 3-1 defeat to Colombia.
Roberto Martinez's side received a timely boost with the return of centre-back Ruben Dias, who missed the opener through injury. Dias replaced the injured Tomas Araujo in the starting XI, while Joao Felix came into the side in place of Bernardo Silva.
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Uzbekistan opted for a more defensive approach, naming goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov behind a five-man backline. Midfielders Odiljon Xamrobekov and Azizjon Ganiev were also drafted into the starting lineup as part of the tactical reshuffle.
Portugal : Diogo Costa, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Uzbekistan : Abduvohid Nematov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rustam Ashurmatov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Abdulla Abdullaev, Behruzjon Karimov, Odiljon Xamrobekov, Otabek Shukurov, Azizjon Ganiev, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Eldor Shomurodov.
