Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics and doubters with an outstanding performance during Portugal’s Group K match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday (June 23) in Houston.
The iconic forward came into the game under huge pressure as critics urged him to start on the bench or consider retirement after an underwhelming performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener’s 1-1 draw with Cape Verde.
The highest goalscorer ever to score a goal in the first half of the match (as the match was in progress at the time of reporting), becoming the only player in history to score a goal at six World Cups.
A summary of his goals from previous World Cups includes:
- 2006 (Germany): 1 goal
- 2010 (South Africa): 1 goal
- 2014 (Brazil): 1 goal
- 2018 (Russia): 4 goals
- 2022 (Qatar): 1 goal
- 2026 (USA/Mexico/Canada): 1 goal (and counting)
FIFA shared Ronaldo’s new record via a post on X, with a portrait of him performing his signature celebration – Suiiii and the caption: “Cristiano Ronaldo: The first man to score in six FIFA World Cup tournaments.”
He also became Portugal’s top scorer in World Cup history with 10 goals, moving one ahead of the legendary Eusebio.
Well-known British journalist Piers Morgan also reacted, citing the football governing body’s post and sharing a quote attributed to Ronaldo.
Morgan wrote: “I don’t chase records, records chase me – Ronaldo.”
Popular streamer IShowSpeed, who claims to be the biggest CR7 fan in the world, was seen in tears after the legendary player’s first goal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
