Cristiano Ronaldo Sets Unique FIFA World Cup Record with Portugal at World Cup 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name even deeper into the history books after becoming the first and only player to score in six different FIFA World Cups, extending a record that stands alone in the sport.

Cristiano Ronaldo made history on Tuesday by becoming the first and only player ever to score in six FIFA World Cups.

A RECORD NO ONE ELSE HAS ACHIEVED

After ending a goal drought that had stretched across more than five World Cup matches and 10 appearances in major international tournaments, CR7 finally got on the scoresheet at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, opening the scoring in the sixth minute against Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium in Texas. It was Portugal’s second group-stage match after a frustrating 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opening game at the same venue, where the veteran forward failed to find the net.

“The Commander” first announced himself on the World Cup stage against Iran at Germany 2006, before scoring again against North Korea at South Africa 2010 and Ghana at Brazil 2014.

Russia 2018 marked his most prolific World Cup campaign, as he scored four goals, including a hat trick against Spain and another strike against Morocco.

In Qatar 2022, Ronaldo once again found the net against Ghana, and on June 23, 2026, he added another chapter to his legacy with a double against debutants Uzbekistan.

He struck again in the 39th minute to make it 3-0.

That takes his World Cup tally to 10 goals, further cementing his status as the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football, UEFA Champions League history, and Real Madrid history — a record unmatched by any other player, including Lionel Messi.

CR7 OVERTAKES EUSEBIO, ANOTHER PORTUGUESE LEGEND

As if becoming the first player ever to score in six World Cups were not enough, Ronaldo’s brace also saw him surpass Portugal icon Eusébio on the nation’s all-time World Cup scoring list.

Eusébio, known as “The Black Panther,” had held the record with nine World Cup goals, famously achieved during the 1966 tournament in England, where he won the Golden Boot.

All nine of his goals came in that edition: two against Brazil and one against Bulgaria in the group stage, four against North Korea in the quarterfinals, one against England in the semifinals, and his final strike against the Soviet Union in the third-place match.

Six decades later, Ronaldo has now moved past one of Portugal’s greatest-ever players, adding yet another milestone to a career already defined by records.