Published: June 24, 2026 at 11:06 am
Cristiano Ronaldo once again etched his name into FIFA World Cup history as Portugal returned to winning ways with a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Houston Stadium.
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After being held to a draw in their opening fixture against Congo DR, Portugal responded strongly, with Ronaldo leading the charge. The Portugal captain scored twice in the first half, setting the tone for a comfortable victory and reminding everyone of his enduring impact on the biggest stage.
Portugal started aggressively and took the lead inside the opening six minutes. Ronaldo was in the right place at the right time, calmly finishing to give Roberto Martínez’s side an early advantage.
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The Portuguese continued to control the game, with their attacking pressure rewarded once again through Nuno Mendes. The defender’s clever free-kick doubled Portugal’s lead as Uzbekistan struggled to deal with their opponents’ movement and quality in the final third.
Uzbekistan showed attacking intent and thought they had pulled one back through a brilliant strike from Abbosbek Fayzullaev, but the goal was ruled out following a foul in the build-up.
Ronaldo is first player to score in six different WCs
Portugal continued to push forward and extended their advantage before half-time. Bruno Fernandes produced a perfectly timed through ball, allowing Ronaldo to break through and calmly slot home for his second goal of the night.
The brace was another historic moment for the Portugal captain. Ronaldo became the first player ever to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions, having found the net in every tournament from 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026. His two goals also took his World Cup tally to 10 goals, making him Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, surpassing Portugal legend Eusébio’s tally of 9 goals.
For Cristiano Ronaldo it was another chapter in an extraordinary career, a night where records fell once again and Portugal’s captain delivered when his team needed him most. Pics: FIFA/X
Uzbekistan tried to respond after the break, but Portugal’s defensive organisation limited their opportunities. The European side continued to create chances and added a fourth goal when an unfortunate own goal from Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov increased their advantage.
Substitute Rafael Leão completed the scoring late in the game with a powerful finish into the top corner, capping off a memorable night for Portugal.
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The statistics reflected Portugal’s control throughout the match, with Roberto Martínez’s side recording an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.41 compared to Uzbekistan’s 0.25, highlighting the difference in attacking output between the two teams.
The victory puts Portugal’s World Cup campaign back on track as they prepare for their final group-stage fixture against Colombia. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, will look to end their group-stage journey on a positive note when they face Congo DR.
For Ronaldo, it was another chapter in an extraordinary career, a night where records fell once again and Portugal’s captain delivered when his team needed him most.
Ghana wall holds firm as England denied
England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana at the Boston Stadium as the Black Stars produced a disciplined defensive performance to earn a valuable point in Group L.
England started the game with control, spending the majority of the opening minutes inside Ghana’s half. However, Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled to break down a compact Ghana defence that remained organised, with bodies behind the ball and limited space available in the final third.
Telangana Football Association (TFA) secretary G P Palguna at the Houston Stadium ahead of the Portugal vs Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup match
Despite dominating possession, England found clear chances difficult to come by. Declan Rice sent a free-kick over the bar, while Harry Kane saw an effort deflected wide just before half-time. The opening 45 minutes ended without a single shot on target from either side, making it the first match of the tournament to reach the interval without either team testing the opposition goalkeeper.
Ghana grew into the game as the half progressed, becoming more confident on the counter-attack while maintaining their defensive structure. The Black Stars were pleased with their resilience, while England headed into the break looking for solutions after struggling to create the same attacking threat they showed in their opening match against Croatia.
Ghana started the second half with more intent, winning individual battles and enjoying more possession than they did in the opening period. England continued to search for openings but found it difficult to make an impact from the wide areas, where they had previously found success.
As the game opened up, both teams had opportunities to take control. Ghana came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 79th minute when Fatawu won possession and sent Adu through on goal. The chance was eventually ruled out for offside, but it highlighted Ghana’s threat on the counter-attack.
Goalkeeper Asare denies Saka
England increased their pressure in the closing stages and created their best opportunities of the match. Bukayo Saka found space and fired a powerful effort towards the bottom corner, but Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare produced an excellent save to keep the score level.
Moments later, England came even closer as O’Reilly connected with Saka’s cross, only to see his effort strike the crossbar. Harry Kane was unable to convert the rebound as Ghana survived another dangerous moment.
England continued pushing in stoppage time, with Marc Guéhi seeing a header cleared off the line, but Ghana held firm to secure an important point.
The result sees Ghana continue their strong World Cup campaign, with the Black Stars heading into their final group-stage fixture against Croatia knowing they remain in contention for qualification. England, meanwhile, will face Panama in their final Group L match as they look to secure progression.
While England controlled large periods of the contest, Ghana’s disciplined defensive approach and threat on the break ensured the Three Lions were unable to find the breakthrough in Boston.
