Ronaldo Makes History as First Player to Score in Six World Cups

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name into World Cup history on June 23, 2026, becoming the first player ever to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. The 41-year-old Portuguese captain struck in the sixth minute against Uzbekistan in Houston, silencing critics who had questioned his ability to perform on football's biggest stage following a scoreless performance in Portugal's opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ronaldo's clinical finish came after a period of intense scrutiny. Heading into the Uzbekistan fixture, the veteran had endured a goalless run spanning 10 games at major international competitions, prompting some observers to question his continued role in the team. However, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez steadfastly backed his captain, emphasizing that Ronaldo's experience and ability to attract defenders remained invaluable. "It makes no sense to get the best goalscorer in world football out in a game that you need goals," Martinez stated emphatically.

The match proved decisive for Ronaldo's redemption. He added a second goal six minutes before half-time, bringing his career World Cup tally to 10 goals across the tournaments of 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026. This achievement surpassed former compatriot Eusébio and places him in a tie for 10th on the all-time World Cup scoring list, eight goals behind Lionel Messi's current record of 18. Notably, Ronaldo is now the only player to have scored in every World Cup edition he has competed in; Messi did not score in 2010.

Portugal's victory over Uzbekistan marked the team's essential response to their disappointing draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Full-back João Cancelo had demanded immediate improvement, noting that a team of their caliber, featuring Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, should create more scoring opportunities. The win kept Portugal's World Cup campaign on track in the group stage.

At 41 years old, Ronaldo's performance underscores his remarkable longevity at elite level. Now playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, he has made 230 international appearances—the most in football history—and continues to pursue the unprecedented milestone of 1,000 career competitive goals. With Al Nassr this season, he scored 28 goals in 30 league matches. Portugal has up to six remaining matches in the tournament, and should Ronaldo maintain his current rate of one goal per game, he could finish with 16 World Cup goals, significantly closing the gap on Messi's record.