Portugal’s forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the 2026 World Cup Group K football match between Portugal and Uzbekistan at the Houston Stadium in Houston on June 23, 2026. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP)
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cup campaigns and silenced his critics after “a dark week” as the Portugal captain struck twice in a 5-0 annihilation of Uzbekistan on Tuesday.
The big win in Houston put Portugal on the brink of the knockout rounds and was a resounding response to the 41-year-old’s doubters.
Ronaldo’s goal after six minutes made history — trumping even Lionel Messi — by scoring at six World Cups stretching back to 2006.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus ace pulled out his trademark “Siu” celebration and let out a throaty roar in front of 68,777 fans.
