Cristiano Ronaldo finally found his scoring touch at the 2026 World Cup with a brace against Uzbekistan, powering Portugal to a resounding 5-0 win in their second group match. After a disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo in the opener, Ronaldo and his teammates delivered a commanding performance.
Ronaldo netted twice in the first half, becoming the first player in history to score in six consecutive World Cups. He also surpassed legend Eusebio to become Portugal's all-time top scorer at World Cup finals tournaments.
Speaking after the match, coach Roberto Martinez highlighted Ronaldo's enduring influence: 'He is an icon, a role model in the national team. Not just for scoring, but his passes, the chances he creates – he sets the standard at the World Cup.' Martinez added that the rivalry between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continues to drive both players to maintain elite form.
Ronaldo left the pitch shouting 'I'm back!' into a TV camera, but Martinez insisted the player never doubted himself: 'He's human, allowed to have emotions. But I've never seen a player who, no matter what happens today, still craves training tomorrow.'
Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro, who lifted the World Cup in 2006, praised Ronaldo's class: 'When you face Ronaldo, you cannot give him any space. If you give him a centimeter, he will score. The Portuguese players play for him, always passing him the ball. As a defender, you have to be very clever to mark him.'
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also congratulated Ronaldo on his 'incredible achievement' and wished him continued success at the tournament.
