Ronaldo scores at six consecutive World Cups, breaks historic record with brace against Uzbekistan

Signature celebration finally unleashed on US soil

Ronaldo completes brace in first half alone

Perfect redemption after sluggish opener

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Uzbekistan in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K match at Houston Stadium in Texas on Tuesday (local time). [AFP-Yonhap]

Cristiano Ronaldo has etched his name into football history, becoming the first player to score at six consecutive World Cups. At 41, he delivered a brace to lead Portugal's attack in a commanding group-stage performance.

Ronaldo started as Portugal's lone striker in their Group K second match against Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium in Texas on Wednesday at 2 a.m. Korean Standard Time, opening the scoring in the sixth minute.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Uzbekistan in a 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage match in Houston on Tuesday (local time). [EPA-Yonhap]

Ronaldo went close in the fourth minute, charging toward goal to meet a left-side cross from Nuno Mendes but failing to get a shot away. He made no mistake two minutes later, collecting a low cross from Joao Cancelo on the right flank, turning and finishing with his right foot from the right side of the penalty area to give Portugal an early lead.

The goal made Ronaldo the first player ever to score at six different World Cups, from the 2006 tournament in Germany through the 2026 edition in North America. Lionel Messi, often called the greatest of all time, also appeared at six World Cups but failed to score at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Portugal seized control from there. Mendes doubled the lead with a free kick in the 17th minute, and Portugal maintained their attacking dominance to manage the match comfortably.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (center) celebrates with Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Cancelo after scoring his team's third goal against Uzbekistan in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K match in Houston on Tuesday (local time). [AP-Yonhap]

Ronaldo completed his brace in the 39th minute, receiving a forward pass from Bruno Fernandes and finishing with a diagonal right-foot shot to make it 3-0.

After each goal, Ronaldo unleashed his signature "Siuuu" celebration. The brace brought his international goal tally to 144.

At 41 years and 138 days old, Ronaldo also moved to second on the list of oldest scorers in World Cup history. The goals ended an 11-match drought at major tournaments, marking a sharp turn in form.

Portugal had stumbled in their opener, drawing 1-1 with Congo, but their attack came alive against Uzbekistan, boosting their chances of advancing from the group. Ronaldo silenced doubts about his form and reaffirmed his role as the focal point of Portugal's attack.

terry@heraldcorp.com