Cristiano Ronaldo ended a 60-year wait to break Portugal’s World Cup record with a historic double against Uzbekistan

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Cristiano Ronaldo overtook Eusébio as Portugal’s top scorer at the World Cup after scoring twice in a commanding 5-0 win over Uzbekistan to end a record that had stood for six decades and add another major achievement to a remarkable international career.Portugal entered their second Group K match under pressure after a frustrating 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their tournament opener. Questions were asked about Roberto Martínez’s side after a flat attacking display, while Ronaldo himself faced criticism after failing to convert several promising chances.Ninety minutes later, the team and its captain received a definitive answer.

An early breakthrough and a historic milestone

The breakthrough came after just six minutes and had its own historic significance. João Cancelo burst forward down the right before driving a low cross into the penalty area. Ronaldo timed his move perfectly, moving away from his marker and producing a deft flick that guided the ball past Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.The finish gave Portugal an early lead but also made Ronaldo the first footballer in history to score in six different World Cup tournaments, extending the record he already held after becoming the first player to score in five editions of the competition.

A record breaking moment

His bigger moment came shortly before halftime. With Portugal already 2-0 up after Nuno Mendes’ superb free-kick, Bruno Fernandes won the ball in midfield and slotted a pinpoint pass through the heart of the Uzbekistan defence. Ronaldo immediately anticipated the opening, timed his run to perfection and calmly finished with a low finish into the corner to make it 3-0.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

The goal took him to ten goals at the World Cup in Portugal, allowing him to surpass Eusébio’s long-standing national record of nine.

Eusebius’ legacy and 60 years

The success closed a remarkable chapter that began at the 1966 World Cup in England. One of the most iconic figures in Portuguese football history, Eusébio scored all nine World Cup goals in a single tournament as he led Portugal to third place. Known around the world as the ‘Black Panther’, he reached this tally in just six games, with six of those goals coming at Goodison Park in Liverpool. Four of his nine goals came from the penalty spot, with the remaining five coming from open play.In 60 years, no Portuguese player has managed to cross this mark. Ronaldo finally did it in Houston.

Longevity versus gloss

Comparing these two achievements reflects two very different forms of greatness. Eusébio set the record straight with one of the most explosive individual tournaments football has ever seen. Ronaldo broke through with longevity, consistency and the ability to remain resolute for two decades at the highest level. His second goal against Uzbekistan came in his 24th World Cup appearance and during his sixth World Cup tournament, twenty years after his debut in Germany in 2006.Ortéza formed part of a dominant Portugal performance that transformed the complexion of Group K. Nuno Mendes added Portugal’s second goal after Ronaldo cleverly acted as a decoy from a free-kick, while an own goal by Abduvohid Nematov and a late strike from Rafael Leão completed the 5-0 victory.

More records and milestones

Apart from surpassing Eusébio, Ronaldo left the pitch with several other records and milestones attached to his name.His opening goal made him the first ever player to score in six World Cups. At 41 years and 138 days, he also became the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, trailing only Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who scored at the age of 42 at the 1994 tournament.The brace also took Ronaldo’s career tally to an astonishing 975 goals for club and country.

What does this mean for Portugal?

Most importantly for Portugal, the win took Martínez’s side to four points from two games and put them firmly on course to qualify for the knockout stages ahead of a crucial final group meeting with Colombia.For Ronaldo, however, the evening will be remembered for something even more lasting. The record, set by Portugal’s greatest World Cup hero in 1966, has survived for six decades. One milestone after another now belongs to the player who has spent much of the last twenty years rewriting football history.