New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo scripted history by becoming the first player to score in as many as six editions of the FIFA World Cup as he helped Portugal thrash Uzbekistan 5-0 on Tuesday. Silencing his critics in style, Ronaldo bagged a brace to help Portugal bag their first win in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.

All eyes were on Ronaldo ahead of the game after the 41-year-old was widely criticised for his lacklustre display in Portugal’s opener against Congo, where he failed to convert two chances in front of the goal. There were calls to drop the legendary forward from the playing XI against Uzbekistan, however, Ronaldo managed to shut his critics by scoring twice in his side’s emphatic victory.

He opened the scoring for Portugal in the sixth minute before adding another in the 39th minute to complete a brace. Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao also got on the scoresheet for Portugal, while they also benefitted from an own goal from Uzbekistan’s Abduvohid Nematov to secure a resounding 5-0 win.

Ronaldo surpassed Lionel Messi to become the first player to score in six World Cups after finding the back of the net for Portugal in the sixth minute. The eternal rivals are playing their record sixth World Cup for their respective teams, but only Ronaldo has managed to score in all editions that he has been part of in the tournament.

With his magnificent brace against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo extended his tally to 10 goals for Portugal in the FIFA World Cup. He went past Eusebio to become their leading goalscorer in the tournament’s history. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker finally enjoyed some great service from the Portuguese midfielders and ensured he made the most of it.

Ronaldo was cut a frustrated figure after failing to find the back of the net in Portugal’s opener against Congo as they drew the game 1-1. However, he returned to his best against Uzbekistan, pouncing on every opportunity that came in front of the goal.

Ronaldo is now Portugal’s leading scorer in the FIFA World Cup and is also the highest goalscorer of all time in international football with an impressive 143 goals to his name. With the 5-0 rout of Uzbekistan, Portugal opened their account in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and is now on the verge of securing a spot in the last 32.

Portugal are currently second in the Group K points table with 4 points after two matches. They will take on Colombia in their next game, and a draw will be enough to help them qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament.