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Portugal silenced their critics in emphatic fashion with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, marking their first triumph of the 2026 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo led the charge with a brace, becoming his nation’s highest goal-scorer in World Cup finals, while a brilliant free-kick from Nuno Mendes, an own goal from Abdukodir Khusanov, and a late strike from substitute Rafael Leao ensured Roberto Martinez’s men bounced back strongly after their disappointing opening draw with DR Congo.

Ronaldo wasted no time, scoring within six minutes as he smashed a half-volley at the near post from Joao Cancelo’s cross, making history as the first male player to score in six different World Cups. Moments later, he deceived everyone by shaping to take a free-kick from 20 yards, only for Mendes to step up and curl a low effort into the corner to double the lead.

Uzbekistan appeared to have reduced the deficit when Azizjon Ganiev fired a stunning long-range strike past Diogo Costa, but VAR intervened to disallow the goal for a foul on Cancelo in the build-up. Ronaldo then doubled his tally by calmly slotting home Bruno Fernandes’ through-ball, leaving goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov helpless.

Khusanov denied Ronaldo a first-half hat-trick with a goal-line clearance during stoppage time, but the defender’s luck ran out when a Bruno Fernandes corner bounced off him for an own goal just before the hour mark.

Nematov made two fine saves to keep out further efforts from Ronaldo as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner sought his third goal, but Rafael Leao rounded off the scoring with a thunderous finish into the top corner late on.

Here’s how Portugal’s players rated in Houston:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Diogo Costa (6/10): Made a few routine saves and handled aerial balls comfortably throughout.

Joao Cancelo (8/10): His explosive run and cross provided Ronaldo’s opener, and he remained a constant attacking outlet on the right flank. Slightly lucky to avoid punishment for lingering too long on the ball before the disallowed Uzbekistan goal, but overall an excellent display before being rested after half-time.

Ruben Dias (6/10): Returned to the starting XI and faced little trouble from Uzbekistan’s forwards, maintaining composure at the back.

Raphael Veiga (6/10): Calm and assured in possession, though he picked up a yellow card in the second half.

Nuno Mendes (8/10): Benefited from Felix’s positioning to push forward effectively and nearly assisted Ronaldo early on. His superb free-kick doubled the lead, and he showed great defensive recovery pace when required.

Midfield

Joao Neves (6/10): Misplaced a few passes but contributed energetically in midfield, helping Portugal maintain control.

Vitinha (7/10): Demonstrated quiet efficiency, dictating tempo and offering defensive support when needed. A typically composed performance.

Bruno Fernandes (8/10): After a shaky start, he improved dramatically, providing a driving run and perfect pass for Ronaldo’s second goal. His clever set-piece deliveries caused chaos, including the corner that led to Khusanov’s own goal.

Attack

Pedro Neto (7/10): Showed sharp footwork and drew fouls, including winning the free-kick for Mendes’ goal. Substituted at the break.

Cristiano Ronaldo (9/10): Displayed two clinical finishes to ignite his tournament, and smartly deceived the defence before Mendes’ free-kick. Denied a hat-trick by Khusanov’s clearance and two Nematov saves, but overall looked rejuvenated and in vintage form.

Joao Felix (7/10): Operated well off the left, linking play intelligently and contributing to Portugal’s attacking fluency, though his shooting lacked precision.

Subs & Manager

Nelson Semedo (6/10): Injected energy down the right flank after coming on at half-time, offering attacking width.

Francisco Conceicao (5/10): Failed to make much impact after replacing Neto for the second half.

Francisco Trincao (5/10): Struggled to influence proceedings after entering for Felix.

Bernardo Silva (6/10): Provided a steady 15-minute cameo, maintaining midfield control in Neves’ absence.

Rafael Leao (6/10): Shaky start after coming on, but regained composure to smash home Portugal’s fifth goal emphatically.

Roberto Martinez (8/10): Tactical tweaks, including bringing in Felix, gave the team better balance. His faith in Ronaldo paid off handsomely, and he wisely rotated players once the result was secured by half-time.