Ronaldo scores twice in first half, nears record for 6th straight World Cup appearance

Cristiano Ronaldo's pursuit of further World Cup history is alive and well, as the Portuguese superstar netted a first-half brace against Uzbekistan on June 24. The match, part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, saw Portugal take a commanding 3-0 lead into halftime, with Ronaldo being the central figure.

The veteran forward opened the scoring in the 6th minute and added his second goal in the 39th minute, showcasing his enduring goal-scoring prowess. These two goals put him on the cusp of an extraordinary record: scoring in six consecutive World Cup tournaments.

Ronaldo, who has been a dominant force in international football for nearly two decades, continues to defy age and expectations. His performance against Uzbekistan underscores his importance to the Portuguese national team as they navigate the qualification stages for the 2026 tournament.

The match took place at Houston Stadium, and Portugal's strong first-half performance, largely driven by Ronaldo's clinical finishing, puts them in an excellent position to secure a favorable result. The focus now shifts to whether Ronaldo can maintain this form and achieve his historic sixth consecutive World Cup goal.