Portugal vs Uzbekistan LIVE: World Cup 2026 result, latest updates and fan reaction

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·23 Juni 2026

Portugal vs Uzbekistan LIVE: World Cup 2026 result, latest updates and fan reaction

Cristiano Ronaldo on target as Portugal to spark World Cup campaign into life

Action from the World Cup continued on Tuesday evening with another David vs Goliath showdown as the much-fancied Portugal beat tournament debutants Uzbekistan in Houston. The opening Group K game brought about frustration for Roberto Martinez's side as they were held to a draw by DR Congo despite taking an early lead, with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes and Cristiano Ronaldo largely subdued.

Video OneFootball

The Portugal captain came in for some criticism for his performance but he responded in style by creating World Cup history as his nation got their campaign back on track. It took all of six minutes on Tuesday evening for Ronaldo to silence his doubters as he broke the deadlock with an excellent finish and set a record by becoming the first player to score at six different World Cups.

Mendes doubled the lead with a fine free-kick before Ronaldo added another before the break. An Abdukodir Khusanov own goal ended any faint hope of a comeback and then substitute Rafael Leao completed the 5-0 rout late on. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog.