Portugal underlined their FIFA World Cup 2026 title credentials with a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, as Cristiano Ronaldo starred with a brace to propel Roberto Martinez’s side to the top of Group K at NRG Stadium, Houston.
The emphatic win leaves Portugal on four points after two matches, while Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan remain rooted to the bottom of the standings without a point, leaving their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 hanging by a thread.
Facing one of the tournament favourites, Uzbekistan struggled to contain Portugal’s attacking quality from the opening whistle.
The breakthrough arrived in just the sixth minute, when Cristiano Ronaldo met a dangerous cross from the flank before calmly steering the ball beyond goalkeeper Abduvohid Ne’matov to give Portugal an early advantage.
Portugal doubled their lead in the 17th minute through Nuno Mendes, whose superbly struck free-kick left Ne’matov with no chance.
Ronaldo then produced another clinical finish in the 37th minute, completing his brace and effectively putting the contest beyond Uzbekistan before half-time as Portugal headed into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Cannavaro responded by introducing Hojiakbar Alijonov and Akmal Mozgovoy after the interval in an attempt to change the momentum.
However, Portugal showed no signs of easing their intensity. Misfortune struck Uzbekistan in the 60th minute when goalkeeper Abduvohid Ne’matov inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, extending Portugal’s advantage to four goals.
Substitute Rafael Leao then completed the rout late in the match, finding the net in the 88th minute shortly after entering the field to seal an emphatic 5-0 victory for the European giants.
The comprehensive victory moves Portugal to the summit of Group K with four points, strengthening their position in the race for qualification to the knockout stage.
For Uzbekistan, the heavy defeat leaves Cannavaro’s side without a point after two matches and facing an uphill battle to remain in the tournament.
Uzbekistan must now produce a positive result in their final Group K fixture against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 28 June to keep any hopes of progressing alive.
Credit Photo : FPF
