Cristiano Ronaldo Sets New Record in 2026 FIFA World Cup
Ronaldo Scores First Goal in World Cup 2026
On June 23, during a match against Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo marked his first goal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This achievement allowed him to set a remarkable all-time record, previously shared with Lionel Messi. The 41-year-old forward executed a brilliant finish from close range after an impressive run, receiving a cross from right-back Joao Cancelo. This goal came after Ronaldo was unable to score in Portugal's opening match against DR Congo, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Additionally, he broke a 10-match goalless streak in major tournaments, including the World Cup and Euros.
Ronaldo Makes History
With this goal, Ronaldo has become the first player to score in six different World Cup editions. He previously netted goals in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments. While Messi matched this feat earlier in the tournament, he has scored in five editions.
Players with Goals in Most Different FIFA World Cup Editions
| Player | Editions' Goals Scored In | Years |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) | 6 | 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026 |
| Lionel Messi (Argentina) | 6 | 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026 |
| Uwe Seeler (West Germany) | 4 | 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970 |
| Pele (Brazil) | 4 | 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970 |
| Miroslav Klose (Germany) | 4 | 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 |
Ronaldo scored once in the 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022 tournaments, and netted four goals in 2018, including a hat trick against Spain in the group stage. He also matched Messi's record for the longest gap between a player's first and latest World Cup goal, with 20 years and 11 days separating his first goal in 2006 against Iran and his latest. Messi's gap is identical, with no other player surpassing a 12-year gap, with Miroslav Klose being third at 12 years and 40 days.
At 41 years and 138 days, Ronaldo became the oldest player to score a brace in the tournament, surpassing Messi's record of 39 years and 353 days, set against Austria on June 22. Overall, he ranks as the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, following Roger Mila of Cameroon, who scored at 42 years and 39 days in 1994. Both Ronaldo and Mila are the only players to score in the tournament after turning 40.