Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score at six separate FIFA World Cups as Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 on Wednesday, the veteran captain adding two goals to secure his nation’s first win of the 2026 tournament.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a low, well‑placed finish from João Cancelo’s cross, and added a second in the 39th minute after a threaded pass from Bruno Fernandes split Uzbekistan’s defence. The 41‑year‑old’s early strike completed a landmark sequence: goals at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and now 2026 World Cups, officials noted. He also moved past Eusébio to become Portugal’s all‑time World Cup top scorer, with 10 goals.

“It’s a historic moment for him and for Portugal,” a team source said. Further comments from the dressing room were not immediately available. When asked about Lionel Messi after the match, Ronaldo brushed off the question and said simply, “Next question,” according to broadcasters at Houston Stadium.

Portugal kept the pressure up after the opener. Nuno Mendes struck in the 17th minute after Portugal earned a free‑kick following a foul on Pedro Neto. The visitors’ dominance continued and Portugal led 3-0 by half‑time after Ronaldo’s second.

Early in the second half a Bruno Fernandes corner produced chaos in the Uzbekistan area; a back‑heel flick looped off a defender and through goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov’s gloves for what was ruled an own goal in the 59th minute. Substitute Rafael Leão sealed the rout with a superb finish in the 87th minute, tapping in after a Nelson Semedo cut‑back.

Portugal had opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, making this emphatic win an important response for Fernando Santos’ side. Officials said the result should give the team momentum as it navigates a tricky Group L.

Ronaldo’s record strikes a historical note beyond goals. He and Argentina captain Lionel Messi are both contesting their sixth World Cup in 2026 — the first players to ever appear at six editions. Messi, who missed scoring at one of his earlier tournaments, has nonetheless been prolific in 2026, netting five goals so far for Argentina.

Ronaldo’s two goals in Houston bring him to two for the current tournament; he had been kept off the scoresheet against DR Congo. Broadcasters captured his trademark “Siu” celebration after each strike, a familiar sight for fans around the globe.

Elsewhere in Group L, England were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in a match that left group positions tightly balanced. Croatia beat Panama 1-0 thanks to Ante Budimir’s lone strike. The results left England top of the group on goal difference, Ghana second and Croatia third, with Panama bottom as the group stage progresses.

Why it matters
Ronaldo’s record is a landmark in World Cup history and a reminder of his longevity at the highest level. For Portugal, the convincing win restores confidence after a nervy start; for Uzbekistan, the heavy defeat exposes defensive frailties the coaching staff will need to address. England’s draw with Ghana highlights Group L’s competitiveness — and how quickly standings can shift in the early rounds.

Further details on injuries, lineup changes and coach comments are awaited as teams prepare for their next fixtures.