Portugal put five goals past Uzbekistan on June 23 in Mexico City, locking down the top spot in Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo, competing in a record sixth World Cup, scored twice. Nuno Mendes added another, Rafael Leao got on the scoresheet, and an own goal rounded out the rout. Six goals scored, one conceded, and a place in the knockout stages confirmed.
How Portugal took control of Group K
The group stage started with a slight hiccup. Portugal drew 1-1 against DR Congo on June 17, a result that raised a few eyebrows but didn’t exactly set off alarm bells.
Portugal came out with intent and never let up, turning what could have been a tricky fixture against World Cup debutants into a statement win. Four points from two matches, a plus-five goal difference, and a team that looks like it’s finding its rhythm at exactly the right time.
