Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player in history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments, solidifying his place among football’s all-time greats. The milestone came during Portugal’s dominant performance against Uzbekistan in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Ronaldo opened the scoring just before halftime with a precise finish after receiving a pass from Bruno Fernandes, marking his 10th World Cup goal overall. This strike extended Portugal’s lead to three goals by halftime, a first for the team in a World Cup match. Earlier, a clever free-kick feint by Ronaldo unsettled Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper, Abduvohid Nematov, allowing Nuno Mendes to add Portugal’s second goal.

Portugal’s superiority was evident throughout the match, with the team running rampant in the second half. Ronaldo was denied a hat-trick on three occasions, but his impact was unmistakable. After his goal and overall performance, he playfully mouthed “I’m back” to the cameras, signaling a resurgence on football’s biggest stage.

The final scoreline was heavily in Portugal’s favor following an own goal by Nematov and a strike from substitute Rafa Leao, sealing a comprehensive victory under head coach Fabio Cannavaro. With this win, Portugal made a statement early in the tournament, showcasing their offensive firepower and cohesive team play.

Portugal’s starting lineup featured a 4-2-3-1 formation led by captain Ronaldo. Key players included goalkeeper Costa; defenders João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Rúben Veiga, and Nuno Mendes; midfielders Neves and Vitinha; and forwards Bruno Fernandes, Neto, and Félix. Substitutions throughout the game further strengthened the side, with prominent players like Semedo, Bernardo Silva, Leao, Conceição, Trincão, and others making appearances.

Uzbekistan, managed by coach J Jayed, fielded a 3-4-2-1 setup with Nematov in goal. Despite a valiant effort from players such as Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov, Karimov, and others, they struggled to contain Portugal’s relentless attack.

Ronaldo’s consistent World Cup goal-scoring record dates back to the 2006 tournament in Germany, where he scored his first World Cup goal. He found the net in 2010 in South Africa, 2014 in Brazil, 2018 in Russia, 2022 in Qatar, and now in 2026 during the current tournament. This unprecedented achievement adds another chapter to his storied career and highlights his longevity at the highest level of international football.