Portugal wins 5-0 against Uzbekistan; Ronaldo first player to score in six editions

Houston: Cristiano Ronaldo scripted history by becoming the first footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions. His shot found the net in Portugal's Group K match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday at Houston Stadium. It also propelled Portugal to a thumping 5-0 win against Uzbekistan.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain hit the milestone only six minutes into the game, putting his team ahead with a signature close-range goal. The goal came after Joao Cancelo charged down the right wing and delivered a low pass into the box, which Ronaldo converted first time from inside the six-yard box, IANS reported.

In the 39th minute, Ronaldo struck again, doubling both Portugal’s advantage and his personal tally for the night. The celebrations carried an extra edge, as if the veteran striker was determined to remind the football world that class does not fade with age.

The strike marked another remarkable chapter in Ronaldo's extraordinary international career. Having made his World Cup debut in Germany in 2006 as a 21-year-old, he has now scored in every tournament he has featured in - 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026.

Ronaldo scored once during Portugal's run to the semi-finals in 2006 and added a goal each in the 2010 and 2014 editions. His most productive World Cup campaign came in Russia in 2018, where he netted four times, before adding another goal in Qatar four years later as Portugal reached the quarter-finals.

It also made Ronaldo, at 41 years & 138 days, the second-oldest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup behind Roger Milla of Cameroon, who scored a goal in 1994 at the age of 42 years & 39 days.

The veteran forward had faced criticism following a subdued display in Portugal's opening match against DR Congo, but he responded emphatically by delivering a record-breaking goal on the biggest stage in world football.

Ronaldo's latest achievement came just a day after Argentina captain Lionel Messi became the highest goal scorer in the history of the FIFA World Cup as he scored his 18th goal against Austria.

Despite holding numerous international records, Ronaldo is still searching for his first goal in a World Cup knockout match and has never played in a World Cup final. However, with Portugal aiming for a deep run in the expanded 48-team tournament, the legendary forward could add further milestones to his already glittering resume.

Ronaldo now has nine World Cup goals to his name and remains one of the central figures of the 2026 tournament as Portugal pursue their quest for global glory.

Portugal v Uzbekistan

C. Ronaldo 6', 39'

N. Mendes 17'

A. Nematov 60' (OG)

R. Leão 87'.