FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo on Song as Portugal Wins Big, Ghana Holds England

Cristiano Ronaldo shone as Portugal finally secured a convincing 5-0 win over Uzbekistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 match.

Apart from a hat-trick, everything happened in the game. Five goals were scored, with Portugal sealing a commanding 5–0 victory. Ronaldo silenced his critics from the opening match by netting twice.

He also broke Eusébio’s 60-year-old record. Eusébio had scored nine goals in a single World Cup edition back in 1966. Ronaldo, who has now scored in six consecutive World Cups, surpassed him. With two goals against Uzbekistan, his tally reached 10.

Besides Ronaldo, Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leão added one goal each, while Portugal benefited from an own goal.

With this win, Portugal strengthened the knockout stage chances. Their next match will be against Colombia. Uzbekistan, having already lost 3–1 to Colombia, suffered a second straight defeat, ending their maiden World Cup hopes.

Meanwhile, Ghana held mighty England to a goalless draw in Boston. England failed to capitalize on scoring chances and settled for a point.

This marks the third time in the last five World Cups that England’s second match ended in a draw. It was also the third goalless draw of this tournament, after Spain vs Cape Verde and Belgium vs Iran.

In Toronto, Croatia defeated Panama 1–0 in Luka Modrić’s landmark 200th international appearance. Ante Budimir scored the decisive goal in the 53rd minute.

Croatia, beaten in their opener, now have three points and sit third in Group L. Their final match against Ghana will be decisive for knockout qualification.

Panama, with back-to-back defeats, are confirmed out of the tournament.

Modrić became only the fourth player to reach 200 international caps, joining Cristiano Ronaldo (230), Bader Al-Mutawa of Kuwait (202), and Lionel Messi (201).