Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Two Goals in FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Against Uzbekistan

‘I am back! I am back!’

In the process of defeating Uzbekistan by a wide margin of 5-0, Cristiano Ronaldo sent a message to those who said he would be a problem for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup by looking into the television camera lens after scoring two goals.

The 41-year-old star could not hide his emotions and joy as he celebrated the historic achievement of becoming the first player to score in his sixth World Cup appearance.

This was also a great response to the critics who said his playing career was over.

Ronaldo was widely criticized after Portugal played a hard-fought 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their first match in Group K. On the other hand, world-class stars like Argentina's Lionel Messi, France's Kylian Mbappé, Norway's Erling Haaland, Brazil's Vinícius Júnior, and England captain Harry Kane had excellent performances in the first two weeks.

However, Ronaldo made a spectacular appearance in the tournament, albeit late.

It took him just six minutes to open the scoring with a superb half-volley from João Cancelo's cross. He then added another goal before halftime with a precise through-ball from Bruno Fernandes, finishing excellently.

Ronaldo would have completed a hat-trick in the first half if Abdulkodir Khusanov had not cleared the ball off the goal line. Despite the efforts of his teammates in the second half, the Portuguese captain could not complete his desired hat-trick.

When asked about his 'I am back' statement after the match, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said, 'It's just so they (the critics) don't forget, I've been playing like this for 23 years.'

'I am very happy. But the most important thing is the team's hard work and the confidence it gives us,' Ronaldo added.

'Individual records are certainly good, but my goal is always to help the team achieve its objectives. We had to overcome many obstacles this week. The team did a great job, we have improved a lot. It was a difficult week, a dark week without touching the ball. But we faced it as always because we believe in our work. It was difficult, but we are back.'

To determine which team will advance to the next round and become group winners from Group K, Portugal will face Colombia in their final match on Sunday, June 28.

Head coach Roberto Martínez said Ronaldo's role was crucial in boosting the team's morale and maintaining standards after the disappointing draw with DR Congo.

Martínez added, 'It was a difficult week because we couldn't get the result we wanted and faced unfair criticism and noise. We were disappointed and sad. But as a team, we moved forward, controlled our emotions, and managed to perform at our best. Cristiano Ronaldo was an excellent captain, fully focused. He used his experience to the fullest; this is not the first time he has faced such a situation.'

'Our captain is an inspiration; he is playing in his sixth World Cup. He is an exemplary figure for the Portuguese national team. He works hard every day, tries to improve in every training session. His behavior is excellent both on and off the field.'

Former England captain Wayne Rooney, who was also Ronaldo's former teammate at Manchester United, told BBC Sport, 'It's incredible to score two goals in the World Cup at the age of 41, while all other top players in this tournament are scoring.'

'His previous game wasn't great, but that's his strength. He responds to criticism like this. He has been doing this throughout his entire career. He wants to be the best and always has been. When other forwards and attacking players are scoring, he wants to be at the top of that list. His response here is exactly what you expect from him. He is selfish in terms of being the best, but he is also a team player. Looking at Messi yesterday and Ronaldo at this age now, what they are doing is truly incredible.'

• 'The Doubted Magician – He Was Never Gone'

Both Ronaldo and Messi have played in all World Cups since 2006. Messi has 18 goals compared to Ronaldo's 10. Messi set the record for most goals by scoring two goals against Austria. However, Argentine forward Messi did not score in the 2010 tournament.

Messi turns 39 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has become the second oldest goalscorer in World Cup history. He is only behind Cameroon's Roger Milla in this regard. Milla scored against Russia at the age of 42 in 1994.

With Ronaldo's two goals, along with Nuno Mendes' free-kick, Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov's own goal, and substitute Rafael Leão's final goal, Portugal registered their third-largest victory in the 2026 tournament.

Fabio Cannavaro, the head coach of Uzbekistan, who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, felt that despite his age, Ronaldo continues to perform at a high level. The Italian coach said, 'You come to the World Cup and show that even at 41, you are still hungry and can do a lot. You don't forget how to play football. He is a part of World Cup history.'

'Football is not limited to Europe; it is open to the whole world. There are no horizons or boundaries now. Cristiano is still one of the strongest players in football history. If you give him even a centimeter of space in the penalty box, your game is over.'

Speaking to ITV Sport, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane expressed his belief that Ronaldo inspires his teammates. He said, 'Cristiano Ronaldo was never gone. He is the main player. What is happening to everyone? These are the doubted magicians.'

'It's good to see him back in form. His two goals were excellent. He is back in form. The hardest part of the game is putting the ball in the net, and he does that. Apart from everything else, what is praiseworthy about Ronaldo is that he is a billionaire. He has won everything except the World Cup. But he still has the hunger and desire to score. For me, this is the biggest example that can be given to young players, that hunger to keep scoring.'

• Ronaldo's Goals in Six World Cups (Photos)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first World Cup goal against Iran in 2006.

Ronaldo's only goal in the 2010 tournament was against North Korea in a 7-0 victory.

Ronaldo's only goal in the 2014 World Cup was crucial in winning the match against Ghana in Group G.

Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Spain in 2018 and scored a total of four goals in Russia.

Ronaldo scored a penalty against Ghana in the 2022 World Cup.

Ronaldo made history by scoring two goals against Uzbekistan in 2026.

Statistics behind Ronaldo's historic journey:

• Ronaldo has become the first male or female player to score in six different World Cups. Messi, Brazil's Marta, and Canada's Christine Sinclair are the only players to have scored in five World Cups.
• At 41 years and 138 days, Ronaldo is the second oldest goalscorer in World Cup history. He is behind Cameroon's Milla, who scored against Russia at the age of 42 years and 39 days in 1994.
• Ronaldo is the third player (among nations with more than one goalscorer) to score at the youngest and oldest ages for his country in the World Cup, after Denmark's Michael Laudrup and Argentina's Messi.
• Ronaldo played his 24th World Cup match against Uzbekistan. Only Messi (28) and Lothar Matthäus (25) have played more games than him. Ronaldo has equaled Miroslav Klose and surpassed Paolo Maldini (23).
• The longest gap between a player's first and last goal in World Cup history is held by Ronaldo and Messi, which is 20 years and 11 days.