Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years with a record-breaking performance as Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match played in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday.
The 41-year-old captain scored twice as Portugal produced their best display of the tournament to secure their first win after opening their campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo. The emphatic victory moved Roberto Martinez’s side to four points and strengthened their chances of reaching the Round of 32.
Ronaldo wasted little time silencing critics, opening the scoring in the sixth minute before Nuno Mendes doubled Portugal’s advantage with a superb free-kick in the 17th minute. Ronaldo struck again in the 39th minute to give Portugal a commanding 3-0 lead heading into halftime.
The Portuguese captain’s first goal carried special significance as it made him the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. The achievement added another chapter to a remarkable international career that has already seen Ronaldo become Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and appearance holder.
Portugal maintained their dominance after the break and were gifted a fourth goal in the 60th minute when Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvokhid Nematov inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. Substitute Rafael Leão completed the rout three minutes from time, finishing off a move that involved Ronaldo as Portugal capped a near-perfect evening.
The result represented a major response from a Portuguese side that had faced questions following their underwhelming draw against DR Congo in their opening match. Coach Roberto Martinez praised his team’s maturity and discipline, noting that Portugal played with greater control and made better decisions throughout the contest.
Portugal dominated possession and created numerous opportunities, finishing with 17 attempts and eight shots on target. Uzbekistan briefly thought they had found a way back into the game, but a goal was disallowed after a foul was identified in the build-up, leaving the tournament debutants unable to halt Portugal’s momentum.
For Ronaldo, the match marked an emphatic answer to those who had questioned his role in the team following his quiet performance against DR Congo. After ending a 10-match goal drought in major international tournaments, the veteran forward declared, “I’m back,” reflecting his relief after a memorable night.
The victory leaves Portugal well placed ahead of a crucial final Group K match against Colombia on June 27, a fixture likely to determine who tops the group. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, remain without a point and face a difficult task in their final match against DR Congo.
With Ronaldo rediscovering his scoring touch and Portugal showing the attacking quality many expected before the tournament, the 2016 European champions have once again emerged as serious contenders for a deep World Cup run.
