Cristiano Ronaldo scores first 2026 World Cup goal against Uzbekistan

Cristiano Ronaldo found the net for the first time in the 2026 World Cup, scoring Portugal's opening goal against Uzbekistan on June 23. The veteran forward, at 41 years old, continues to make his mark on the global stage in his sixth World Cup appearance.

The decisive play originated on the right flank, with João Cancelo delivering a sensational assist. The fullback advanced skillfully, creating space before feeding Ronaldo inside the penalty area. The Portuguese captain calmly finished the chance, precisely placing the ball into the bottom right corner past Uzbek goalkeeper Abduvakhid Nematov.

This early goal significantly altered the match's dynamic, giving Portugal a crucial early lead and forcing Uzbekistan to abandon their defensive strategy sooner than anticipated. The goal also marked another milestone for Ronaldo, underscoring his enduring presence and impact on the national team.

Portugal, seeking a strong performance after a 1-1 draw in their opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, further solidified their position when Nuno Mendes scored in the 17th minute. Mendes converted a perfectly executed free-kick from the edge of the area, curling the ball past Nematov for a 2-0 advantage and putting Portugal firmly on track in Group K.