Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name into football history on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, by scoring for Portugal against Uzbekistan in a FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match. The goal made him the first player ever to score in six different World Cup tournaments.
Record-breaking goal in Houston
Ronaldo found the net in the sixth minute of the Group K encounter at Houston Stadium, giving Portugal an early lead. He had already scored in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, and this goal extended his remarkable streak across two decades—from age 21 to 41.
The Portuguese captain now holds the record for most international goals by any male player, with 144. However, his goal against Uzbekistan ended a drought of 10 matches without a goal at major tournaments, dating back to Portugal's 3-2 win over Ghana in the 2022 World Cup opener.
Portugal seeks first win
Portugal entered the match looking for their first victory of the 2026 tournament after a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opening game. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, aimed to recover from a 3-1 defeat to Colombia.
Portugal was boosted by the return of centre-back Ruben Dias, who missed the DR Congo draw due to injury. He replaced Tomas Araujo, who was sidelined with an injury. Winger Joao Felix also came into the starting lineup, taking Bernardo Silva's place.
Team lineups
Portugal: Diogo Costa, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Uzbekistan: Abduvohid Nematov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rustam Ashurmatov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Abdulla Abdullaev, Behruzjon Karimov, Odiljon Xamrobekov, Otabek Shukurov, Azizjon Ganiev, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Eldor Shomurodov.
Uzbekistan opted for a five-man defence, with goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov starting. Odiljon Xamrobekov and Azizjon Ganiev were included in midfield as part of a tactical reshuffle.
