2026 World Cup: Portugal Soars as Ronaldo Makes History

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups, while Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland delivered standout performances.

Portugal's Campaign

Match 1: Portugal 1-1 DR Congo

In their opening Group K match, Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo. Yoane Wissa scored the equalizer for DR Congo. Portugal dominated possession but did not convert additional chances.

Cristiano Ronaldo started the match, becoming the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match at age 41. He recorded 25 touches, the fewest of any Portugal starter, and three off-target shots. He did not score, extending his streak of goalless matches in major tournaments to 10.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez stated: "It makes no sense to get the best goalscorer in world football out in a game that you need goals."

Match 2: Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan

Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 in their second group stage match. Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals in the first half. With these goals, Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups and became Portugal's all-time leading scorer at the tournament, surpassing Eusebio.

"I'm back," Ronaldo said, acknowledging the criticism he received after the previous match.

Coach Martinez stated that Ronaldo's rivalry with Lionel Messi drives both players to maintain high performance. He described Ronaldo as an icon and role model. Martinez added that he has never seen Ronaldo doubt himself and praised his work ethic.

Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro commented that defenders must be very close to Ronaldo, as he can score from any opportunity. He noted that Portugal's players play for Ronaldo. FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulated Ronaldo on his achievement.

Group K Standings

Colombia defeated DR Congo 1-0 on Tuesday, securing their place in the knockout rounds. The match took place in Guadalajara. The only goal was scored by Daniel Munoz in the 76th minute.

Colombia leads Group K with six points, two ahead of Portugal, with one group match remaining. Colombia will face Portugal on Saturday; DR Congo will play Uzbekistan. DR Congo has an outside chance of advancing to the round of 32 for their first time since 1974.

Other Notable Performances

On Tuesday, multiple football superstars performed prominently in the 2026 World Cup:

• Kylian Mbappé scored two goals against Senegal, becoming France's all-time leading scorer.
• Erling Haaland scored two goals in his World Cup debut, helping Norway defeat Iraq.
• Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, equaling Miroslav Klose's record for most goals in World Cup finals history.

Other Match Results

• Croatia defeated Panama 1-0, eliminating Panama from World Cup contention. The goal was scored by Ante Budimir in the 54th minute. Luka Modric made his 200th international appearance. Croatia now has three points in Group L; they will face Ghana for a place in the final 32. Panama will play England in their final match.