Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan at the 2026 World Cup, with Ronaldo scoring a brace and setting new records
The Portuguese national team thrashed Uzbekistan in their second Group K match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match at the NRG Stadium in Houston ended in a 5–0 victory for Portugal.
Portugal opened the scoring as early as the 6th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo tapped in a cross from João Cancelo on the right flank at the near post.
This goal was a historic one for the 41-year-old striker. Ronaldo became the first footballer in history to score at six consecutive World Cups — in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.
In the 17th minute, Nuno Mendes extended Portugal’s lead with a direct free-kick that found the bottom left corner of the net.
In the 29th minute, Uzbekistan managed to find the net, but Azizjon Ganiyev’s goal was disallowed following a VAR review. The referees ruled that Abbasbek Fayzullaev had committed a foul on João Cancelo during the build-up to the attack.
Just before half-time, Roberto Martínez’s side scored their third goal. In the 39th minute, during a swift counter-attack, Ronaldo received a pass from Bruno Fernandes on the right flank of the penalty area and sent the ball into the far corner with a precise low shot.
This goal was Cristiano’s 10th in his World Cup career. As a result, he became Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer at the World Cup, overtaking Eusébio, who has nine goals.
In the second half, the Portuguese scored twice more. In the 60th minute, Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper Abduvahid Nematov scored an own goal. Rafael Leão sealed the final score in the 87th minute.
In the first round of Group K, Portugal unexpectedly dropped points in their match against the DR Congo, drawing 1–1. Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3–1 in their opening match.
After two rounds, Portugal top Group K with four points. Colombia are in second place with three points, whilst the DR Congo are third with one point. Uzbekistan, making their World Cup debut, remain without any points so far.
In the third round, Portugal will face Colombia, whilst Uzbekistan will take on the DR Congo. Both matches will take place on 28 June at 02:30 Kyiv time.
