Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brilliant first-half brace as Portugal ran riot in a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Group K at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Houston, getting their campaign fully up and running. Ronaldo’s two goals were joined by strikes from Nuno Mendes and Rafa Leao, plus an own goal from Uzbekistan’s Nematov, as Portugal produced a dominant response after their opening match.
The win mattered on multiple fronts: it delivered a statement performance in the group phase, pushed Portugal up the Group K table, and saw Ronaldo set fresh FIFA World Cup records in his sixth finals appearance.
Ronaldo sets records as Portugal take control early
Portugal were ahead inside six minutes, with Ronaldo finishing from close range after a Joao Cancelo cross. The opener carried historic significance: Ronaldo became the first player to score in six FIFA World Cups, and also the second-oldest scorer in tournament history at 41 years and 138 days, behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla.
Portugal doubled their lead in the 17th minute through Nuno Mendes, whose first-half free-kick made it 2-0. Ronaldo also played his part in the move, acting as a decoy as Mendes struck to extend Portugal’s advantage.
Ronaldo then added his second in the 39th minute, finding the corner with a well-taken strike just before half-time to make it 3-0. That goal was also a milestone: it was his 10th FIFA World Cup goal, which moved him clear as Portugal’s leading scorer in the global finals, ahead of Eusebio’s nine.
With a three-goal cushion at the break, Portugal were able to manage the contest and keep the pressure on Uzbekistan, who were looking to build on scoring their first World Cup goal against Colombia earlier in the tournament.
Second-half goals complete the rout
Portugal’s fourth arrived midway through the second half when Uzbekistan’s Nematov turned the ball into his own net in the 60th minute, compounding the debutants’ difficult afternoon.
Rafa Leao then provided the finishing touch late on, scoring in the 87th minute to complete a 5-0 scoreline and underline Portugal’s superiority on the day.
Uzbekistan did have a moment where they thought they had found the net again, with Azizjon Ganiev producing a stunning long-range effort. However, the goal was ruled out for a foul, leaving Uzbekistan without a consolation and with their campaign described as hanging in the balance.
Group K picture and post-match reaction
After two matches, the Group K standings listed Colombia top on six points, with Portugal second on four points. Congo DR sat third on one point, while Uzbekistan were fourth with zero points. Portugal’s goal difference also improved significantly following the five-goal win.
Ronaldo, named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match, focused on the collective performance as well as the personal landmarks. “I’m very happy. But for me, the most important thing is our work and the confidence we showed. The team performed really well and improved a lot… records are always nice, but my goal is always to help the national team achieve its objectives,” he said.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez highlighted the response from his side following their opening game. “This was the response we had in the dressing room. There are times when you need a game like the first one in order to grow in the tournament… Today we saw a team with the same attitude and commitment, but with greater maturity… I’m very pleased with the result,” Martinez said.
For Portugal, the performance delivered goals, records, and momentum. For Uzbekistan, the heavy defeat and a disallowed strike summed up a tough day as they continue their search for points in their debut World Cup campaign.
