Ronaldo announces arrival as Portugal run riot. Resolute Ghana earn England stalemate
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brilliant brace to set a number of FIFA World Cup records and get Portugal's campaign up and running.
Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan
Portugal goals: Ronaldo (6, 39), Mendes (17), Nematov own goal (60), Leao (87)
After seeing the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland hit the headlines at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo reached lift-off in Houston in fine fashion.
Playing in his sixth World Cup finals, the 41-year-old got the ball up and running against Uzbekistan with a brilliant close-range effort following Joao Cancelo's cross.
It was a history-making goal — Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups and he also became the second-oldest scorer in tournament history behind Cameroon's Roger Milla. The relief on Ronaldo's face after he struggled in the opener against Congo DR was palpable.
Inspired, the veteran netted his second with a well-taken strike into the corner just before half-time for his 10th World Cup goal to become Portugal's leading scorer in the global finals, ahead of the legendary Eusebio with nine.
In between, Ronaldo played a role in Portugal's second, acting as a clever decoy for Nuno Mendes's brilliant first-half free-kick. A fourth came via an Uzbekistan own goal midway through the second half, with Rafa Leao putting the icing on the cake in the 87th minute.
Having got their first World Cup goal against Colombia, Uzbekistan thought they found the scoresheet again with a stunning effort from distance from Azizjon Ganiev. The goal was ruled out for a foul, however. The debutants' campaign hangs in the balance.
Resolute Ghana earn England stalemate
Both sides will enter their final match on 27 June with four points apiece following the draw at Boston Stadium.
England 0-0 Ghana
An inspired defensive display ensured Ghana earned a goalless draw with England at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
It was a first half punctuated by perspiration rather than inspiration. Ghana stood tall against wave after wave of England pressure, with the Three Lions' only half-chance coming through a looping Declan Rice header which cleared the crossbar.
After the break, Elliot Anderson saw a close-range header blocked shortly before Anthony Gordon fired an effort into the midriff of goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Harry Kane was next to try his luck with a low drive, but Asare was again equal to it.
Ghana, meanwhile, looked threatening in their forays forward, and sliced England open with just shy of ten minutes to go. Abdul Fatawu was sent through on Jordan Pickford, and while Ezri Konsa got back to foil his initial attempt, the winger's second effort was blocked just in front of the goalline by team-mate Antoine Semenyo.
England saved their best chances for the 87th minute. A flowing move ended with Reece James crossing for Nico O'Reilly, whose back-post header came back off the crossbar. The loose ball fell to Kane, but he blazed his effort high into the Boston sky.
The result ensures England and Ghana will enter the final matchday of Group L in the top two. A point from their final matches against Panama and Croatia respectively will secure both of a spot in the Round of 32.
Budimir turns hero
Panama 0-1 Croatia
Vatreni supporters campaigned for Ante Budimir, who has rippled nets relentlessly over the last three seasons in La Liga, to get his first World Cup start. They were disappointed when he didn’t. They were delirious 10 minutes after he was sent on for the second half. The 34-year-old’s goal was facilitated by a breathtaking back-heel from fellow substitute Mario Pasalic and a superb Josip Stanisic cross. Croatia were up and running. Panama, despite an admirable effort, were out.