Ronaldo Scores Twice as Portugal Rout Uzbekistan 5-0 in World Cup Group K

Portugal bounced back from a disappointing start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups, as Roberto Martinez's side responded emphatically to criticism following their 1-1 draw with DR Congo.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute, firing home from close range after a João Cancelo pass. Nuno Mendes doubled the lead in the 17th minute with a free kick that beat the Uzbekistan wall and goalkeeper. Uzbekistan thought they had pulled one back through Azizjon Ganiev just before the half-hour mark, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul by Abbosbek Fayzullaev in the build-up.

Ronaldo made it 3-0 in the 39th minute, racing onto a pass from Bruno Fernandes and finishing coolly into the far corner. The 41-year-old forward, who had been under scrutiny after a lackluster opening match, went close to a hat-trick on multiple occasions in the second half but was denied by goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov. Portugal's fourth goal came in the 60th minute when a Fernandes corner was deflected into the net off Nematov, with the final touch credited as an own goal. Rafael Leão completed the rout in the 87th minute, lashing home from a clearance that fell into his path.

The victory lifted Portugal to the top of Group K with four points from two matches. Uzbekistan, making their World Cup debut, remain bottom with zero points after two defeats. The other Group K match between Colombia and DR Congo was played later on Tuesday. Portugal will face Colombia in their final group game on June 28, while Uzbekistan take on DR Congo.