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Jun 23, 2026 Major7
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Ronaldo Scores Twice as Portugal Rout Uzbekistan 5-0 in World Cup Group K
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to become the first player to score in six World Cups, leading Portugal to a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Group K. The win lifted Portugal to the top of the group after an opening draw, while Uzbekistan remained winless on their tournament debut.
Quick Facts
Who
Cristiano Ronaldo
What
Portugal beats Uzbekistan 5-0 in World Cup Group K match
When
June 23, 2026
Where
Houston, Texas, USA
- Portugal beats Uzbekistan 5-0 in World Cup Group K match
- Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice, becoming first player to score in six World Cups
- Uzbekistan goal disallowed after VAR review
- Portugal moves to top of Group K
- Cristiano Ronaldo
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.
Why This Matters
This win not only marks another record for Ronaldo but also showcases Portugal's resilience after a slow start. For neutral fans, it signals that Portugal is a serious contender in Group K, with their final group match against Colombia likely deciding the group winner. For bettors and fantasy players, Ronaldo's form and Portugal's attacking depth are key assets to watch.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 23, 2026
WireMatch between Portugal and Uzbekistan takes place in Houston, Texas at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Jun 23, 2026
WireCristiano Ronaldo scores opening goal after 6 minutes, becomes first player to score in six World Cups
Jun 23, 2026
WireNuno Mendes scores second goal from free-kick in 17th minute
Jun 23, 2026
WireAzizjon Ganiev's goal for Uzbekistan is ruled out for a foul in the buildup
Jun 23, 2026
WireCristiano Ronaldo scores second goal in 39th minute
Jun 23, 2026
WireOwn goal by Abdukodir Khusanov/Abduvohid Nematov makes it 4-0
Jun 23, 2026
WireRafael Leão scores fifth goal in 87th minute
Jun 23, 2026
WireMatch kickoff in Houston
Jun 23, 2026
WireCristiano Ronaldo scores first goal (1-0)
Jun 23, 2026
WireNuno Mendes scores free-kick goal (2-0)
Jun 23, 2026
WireUzbekistan goal by Azizjon Ganiev disallowed after VAR
Jun 23, 2026
WireCristiano Ronaldo scores second goal (3-0)
Jun 23, 2026
WireAbduvohid Nematov own goal (4-0)
Jun 23, 2026
WireRafael Leão scores fifth goal (5-0)
Jun 23, 2026
WireMatch ends 5-0 to Portugal; Portugal moves to top of Group K with 4 points
Jun 28, 2026
WirePortugal vs Colombia, Uzbekistan vs DR Congo final group matches
Jun 28, 2026
WirePortugal to play Colombia and Uzbekistan to play DR Congo in final Group K matches
Entities
- Fabio Cannavaro
- Abduvohid Nematov
- Nuno Mendes
- Rafael Leão
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- João Cancelo
- Portugal national football team
- Colombia national football team
- Abbosbek Fayzullaev
- Bruno Fernandes
- Uzbekistan national football team
- Azizjon Ganiev
- DR Congo national football team
- Houston, Texas
- Abdukodir Khusanov
- Roberto Martínez
- Houston Stadium
Sources
- Portugal vs Uzbekistan LIVE: Latest score updates from World Cup clashThe IndependentMediaJun 23, 2026
- Portugal vs. Uzbekistan LIVE: World Cup 2026 updates as Cristiano Ronaldo's side look for first winESPNMediaJun 23, 2026
- Live Blog: Portugal vs Uzbekistan in the 2026 FIFA World CupbeIN SPORTSMediaJun 23, 2026
- Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan (Jun 23, 2026) Game AnalysisESPNMediaJun 23, 2026
- Ronaldo gets World Cup groove back, scores two goals in Portugal's win over UzbekistantassMediaJun 23, 2026
- Ronaldo strikes twice as Portugal whitewashes Uzbekistan in Group KxinhuaMediaJun 23, 2026
- Flash: Portugal beats Uzbekistan 5-0 in FIFA World Cup Group KxinhuaMediaJun 23, 2026