Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six World Cups with strike against Uzbekistan

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first male player to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments on Thursday, netting in the sixth minute of Portugal’s group-stage match against Uzbekistan at the 2026 World Cup. The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward’s clinical strike extended a record of international longevity that now stands entirely alone, moving him ahead of long-time rival Lionel Messi in this specific historical category.

The goal arrived against a backdrop of unusually sharp criticism directed at the Portugal captain. A goalless run stretching across 10 major international tournament appearances had prompted debate over whether coach Roberto Martinez should restructure the side around a team without his number seven. Analysts had pointed to limited involvement in build-up play and a declining post-shot expected goals figure as evidence of a steep decline.

Martinez, however, refused to entertain the idea of dropping Ronaldo ahead of the match. “It makes no sense to get the best goalscorer in world football out in a game that you need goals,” the Portugal boss said. “For us in moments like this, the experience of Cristiano in the box is important. The way that he attracts defenders is important, the way that we can use the space is important. And every player has a responsibility or a piece of quality on the pitch. And clearly when you look for goals, you need to have Cristiano.”

Ronaldo’s first World Cup goal came at the 2006 tournament in Germany, and he has now scored at every edition since — a span of two decades that has encompassed four different host continents and multiple generations of teammates. The record underlines a consistency at the highest level that few players in the sport’s history have come close to matching.

Portugal’s path to the knockout stages remains the immediate priority. A below-par performance against DR Congo earlier in the group stage has left the squad knowing that a strong result in their next fixture in Texas is essential to securing their place in the last 16. Ronaldo’s record-breaking moment will provide a significant lift, but Martinez will expect the broader squad to raise their level as the stakes increase.