Portugal vs Uzbekistan World Cup 2026: Ronaldo’s Redemption Match — CR7 Without a Goal in 10 Tournament Games
Ten major tournament games without a goal. Three shots that failed to find the target against DR Congo. At 41 years of age, Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Houston’s NRG Stadium on June 23, 2026 carrying the heaviest of questions: has the most decorated scorer in the history of international football run out of World Cup magic?
Match Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Portugal vs Uzbekistan — Group K, Matchday 2 |
| Date & Time | June 23, 2026 — 17:00 UTC / 1:00 PM ET |
| Venue | NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas |
| TV (USA) | FOX Sports & Telemundo |
| Group K Standings | Colombia 3pts • DR Congo 1pt • Portugal 1pt • Uzbekistan 0pts |
Portugal’s Opener: A Disappointing Draw
Portugal’s World Cup began with a flat 1-1 draw against DR Congo on Matchday 1 — a result described as “a major disappointment” by analysts. DR Congo, making their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, shocked the tournament by equalising through Yoane Wissa after Portugal had taken the lead. The draw left Roberto Martínez’s side in an uncomfortable position: needing a win against Uzbekistan today to keep pace with Colombia, who lead Group K after beating Uzbekistan 3-1.
The criticism of Ronaldo was particularly sharp. He attempted three shots against DR Congo, none of which hit the target. At 41 years old, his movement has naturally reduced, and there were moments in that match where the gap between the Ronaldo of peak years and the Ronaldo of today was uncomfortably visible. He has now gone 10 consecutive major tournament matches — including Euro 2024 — without scoring from open play. However, he has scored in six of his last nine internationals overall, suggesting his club form with Al Nassr has been more productive than his tournament displays.
Uzbekistan: World Cup Debutants Learning Fast
Uzbekistan are competing in their first-ever FIFA World Cup, having qualified through the AFC process under coach Sérgio Lobos. They were outclassed by Colombia 3-1 in their opener but showed moments of genuine quality, particularly in transition, that suggest they will not merely be passengers in this group.
DR Congo’s blueprint against Portugal — sit compact, absorb pressure, punish on the counter — is precisely what Uzbekistan will attempt to replicate. Without the explosive pace of Wissa (who scored against Portugal), they are less equipped to execute such a plan, but they have nothing to lose. See all Group K coverage →
Portugal’s Attacking Depth: Beyond Ronaldo
Roberto Martínez has assembled arguably the deepest forward line Portugal has ever possessed. Even if Ronaldo continues to struggle, the options at his disposal are formidable:
- Bruno Fernandes — Manchester United’s creative engine has the range of passing, shooting and movement to unlock any low block
- Rafael Leão — AC Milan’s electric winger brings pace and trickery that Uzbekistan’s fullbacks will struggle to contain
- Gonçalo Ramos — The PSG striker is arguably Portugal’s most complete centre-forward right now and could be given a starting role if Martínez decides to rotate
- Bernardo Silva — The Manchester City playmaker offers technical excellence and pressing intensity in central areas
The question is not whether Portugal have the quality to beat Uzbekistan — they clearly do. The question is whether Ronaldo starts, scores, and silences the growing narrative around his declining effectiveness at tournament level.
Group K Picture
Colombia lead with 3 points after beating Uzbekistan 3-1, with Luis Díaz starring with a goal and an assist. DR Congo sit on 1 point alongside Portugal after their draw. The final matchday in Group K will see Portugal play Colombia and DR Congo face Uzbekistan — making today’s result potentially decisive for whether Portugal advance as group winners or runners-up.
Prediction
Portugal are heavy favourites and the talent gap between the two squads is significant. Expect a clinical Selecção performance with multiple goalscorers. Whether Ronaldo is among them is the key subplot. The narrative — football’s most prolific scorer needing a goal to quiet his doubters in what may be his final World Cup — is almost too perfect to resist. Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cristiano Ronaldo has 9 career FIFA World Cup goals, scored across five tournaments: 2006 (1), 2010 (1), 2014 (1), 2018 (4), and 2022 (2). He has not scored in his last 10 consecutive major tournament matches heading into the Uzbekistan game.
Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their Group K opener. Yoane Wissa scored for DR Congo to cancel out Portugal’s lead. Ronaldo had three shots, none on target. The result left Portugal second in Group K with 1 point.
Ronaldo is expected to keep his place in the starting lineup. Coach Roberto Martínez has shown loyalty to the captain, and the narrative around his goal drought makes it almost certain he will be given the opportunity to respond against Uzbekistan.
Colombia lead Group K with 3 points after beating Uzbekistan 3-1. DR Congo and Portugal are tied on 1 point each following their draw. Uzbekistan sit bottom with 0 points.