Cristiano Ronaldo just made World Cup history — again. The 41-year-old Portugal captain scored a brace against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, becoming the first male footballer ever to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston, with Ronaldo opening the scoring in just the 6th minute and adding a second before halftime. The victory puts Portugal top of Group K after a disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opener.
Ronaldo’s Record Night
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match | Portugal 5–0 Uzbekistan |
| Venue | Houston, USA |
| World Cup | 2026 — Ronaldo’s 6th |
| Goals | Ronaldo (2), Nuno Mendes, Nematov OG, Rafael Leão |
| Record | First player to score in 6 World Cups |
| Age | 41 years old (2nd oldest World Cup scorer ever) |
Ronaldo needed just six minutes to carve his name into the history books. João Cancelo whipped a cross from the right, and Ronaldo swept a low half-volley past the Uzbekistan goalkeeper at the near post. Clinical. Vintage.
His second came in the 39th minute — Bruno Fernandes found him with a slide-rule pass through the center circle, and Ronaldo slipped a precise finish into the bottom corner. Two goals, one half, history made.
Six World Cups, One Unbreakable Record
This was Ronaldo’s 10th World Cup goal across six tournaments spanning 20 years (2006–2026):
- 2006 (Germany): 1 goal
- 2010 (South Africa): 1 goal
- 2014 (Brazil): 1 goal
- 2018 (Russia): 4 goals (hat-trick vs Spain)
- 2022 (Qatar): 1 goal
- 2026 (USA/Mexico/Canada): 2 goals (and counting)
The only other active player to come close is Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who has scored in five World Cups. Messi is the all-time World Cup top scorer (18 goals), but Ronaldo’s six-tournament streak may be the more unbreakable record.
Ronaldo also became the second oldest World Cup goalscorer in history, behind only Cameroon’s Roger Milla (42, vs Russia in 1994).
Portugal’s Road Ahead
Portugal bounced back emphatically after a flat opening draw against DR Congo. Nuno Mendes scored a direct free-kick, Uzbekistan gifted an own goal, and Rafael Leão smashed in a late fifth to complete the rout.
Group K is now wide open. Portugal sits top with 4 points, but Colombia can overtake them if they beat DR Congo. Uzbekistan is already eliminated after two losses.
| Upcoming Portugal Fixtures | Date |
|---|---|
| Portugal vs Colombia | June 26 |
| Round of 32 | June 29 – July 1 |
FAQ
Is Ronaldo the oldest player to score at a World Cup?
No — he’s the second oldest. Cameroon’s Roger Milla scored at age 42 in 1994. Ronaldo is 41.
How many World Cup goals does Ronaldo have now?
10 goals across six World Cups (2006–2026). He’s Portugal’s all-time leading World Cup scorer.
Who has scored in the most World Cups?
Men’s: Cristiano Ronaldo — 6 tournaments. Women’s: Marta (Brazil) has also scored in 5 World Cups.
Can Portugal win the 2026 World Cup?
They’re in the conversation. With Ronaldo in form, Bruno Fernandes pulling strings, and a solid defensive core, Portugal has the depth to go deep. The 5–0 win over Uzbekistan was a statement.