Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups | FIFA World Cup 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo added another milestone to his glittering career on Tuesday, becoming the first player in history to score in six different FIFA World Cups after finding the net for Portugal against Uzbekistan in their Group K clash in Houston.

The 41-year-old striker opened the scoring in the sixth minute when he met Pedro Neto’s cross with a first-time finish, giving Portugal an early lead and creating yet another piece of football history.

The goal extended a record that Ronaldo already held. He had previously become the first player to score in five different World Cups after netting against Ghana at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Six World Cups, six scoring tournaments

Ronaldo made his World Cup debut in Germany in 2006 and scored his first tournament goal from the penalty spot against Iran.

He followed that up with goals in South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2014 and Russia in 2018, before becoming the first player to score in five World Cups during Portugal’s opening match of the 2022 tournament against Ghana.

Ronaldo goals in each World Cup edition:

Ronaldo is already Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, men’s international football’s leading goalscorer and the player with the most international appearances.

While questions surrounded his role ahead of the tournament following Portugal’s draw against DR Congo, the veteran forward delivered the response in the best possible fashion — with a goal and another record.

The strike against Uzbekistan also boosted Portugal’s hopes of reaching the Round of 32 after a frustrating start to their Group K campaign.

Chasing one final World Cup dream

Ronaldo arrived at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the oldest outfield players in the tournament and with his international future uncertain beyond the competition.

Yet his goal in Houston showed his ability to influence matches remains intact.

While younger stars continue to emerge across world football, Ronaldo once again demonstrated why he remains one of the defining figures of the modern era.

More than 20 years after his World Cup debut, the Portugal captain is still making history on football’s biggest stage.