Ronaldo becomes first man to score at six World Cups as Portugal crush Uzbekistan

League of Ireland Horse Racing TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture Rugby Weekly Extra Dive into all the news and analysis 3 times a week The Football Family Weekly insights from the week’s big talking points Advertisement More Stories Ronaldo celebrates his goal with team-mate Pedro Neto.Alamy Stock Photo Ronaldo becomes first man to score at six World Cups as Portugal crush Uzbekistan Portugal bounced back from a disappointing opening draw against DR Congo. 8.02pm, 23 Jun 2026 Share options Uzbekistan 0 CRISTIANO RONALDO BECAME the first man to score in six different World Cup campaigns when he struck against Uzbekistan on Tuesday in Houston. The 41-year-old Portugal skipper, under pressure to find the net after a barren run at major international tournaments, pounced from close range after just six minutes to create a piece of World Cup history. It is testament to Ronaldo’s longevity, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar having scored his first World Cup goal in 2006, against Iran. Ronaldo faced flak after being largely anonymous in a disappointing 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo that started Portugal’s World Cup title bid in North America.

Advertisement In his previous 10 games at major competitions coming into the Uzbekistan match, he had zero goals and one assist. His travails in front of goal were in glaring contrast to the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. Ronaldo nearly struck after just three minutes in Houston, narrowly failing to make contact at the far post after a cross by Nuno Mendes. Ronaldo slapped the turf, but the frustration was to be only temporary as he netted in the 6th minute and again in the 39th minute, while Nuno Mendes also scored in the first half.

Nuno Mendes celebrates his goal.Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Second-half goals arrived for Portugal courtesy of an own goal by Nematov and a fifth by substitute Rafael Leao. Related Reads Westminster chaos, Messi genius, and England's hopes resting on Harry Kane France overcome Iraq to book World Cup knockout spot after two-hour thunderstorm delay Cape Verde become story of World Cup but Pico Lopes wants more - 'We have to make the most of it now' A low corner from Fernandes bobbles around the box and deflects off Uzbekistan's goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov and into his own net and gives Portual their fourth. Watch all 104 games from the #FIFAWorldC up on RTÉ pic.twitter.com/Vgnbiu5ZwO— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 23, 2026 Absolutely lethal from Rafael Leão, who gives Portugal their fifth. Watch all 104 games from the #FIFAWorldCup on RTÉ pic.twitter.com/0cExE0SKvN— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 23, 2026 Check out the latest episode of The 42′s Football Family podcast here View 7 comments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Ronaldo becomes first man to score at six World Cups as Portugal crush Uzbekistan”.

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