Tuesday's action at the FIFA 2026 World Cup unveiled an unprecedented moment in soccer history: Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player ever to score in six different World Cups. Meanwhile, Colombia secured its spot in the round of 16, and Panama exited the tournament.
The Portuguese captain dazzled with a brace, leading Portugal to a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan at Houston's NRG Stadium. This performance erased any doubts lingering after their opening draw.
With these two goals, Ronaldo has now netted 10 goals across the World Cups of 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026. He surpasses Eusébio's nine goals, cementing his status as Portugal's all-time top scorer in World Cup history. No other player has achieved the feat of scoring in six separate World Cup tournaments.
Portugal's Path and Colombia's Triumph
Uzbekistan, a newcomer to the World Cup stage, is mathematically out of the competition after suffering their second consecutive defeat, leaving them pointless in Group K of the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal, with four points, controls its destiny to secure the top spot in the group as they face Colombia on June 27 at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.
Colombia, on the other hand, can breathe easy: the South American team bested the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0 at Guadalajara's Akron Stadium, sealing their qualification with six points from two wins.
Daniel Muñoz scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute, though Colombia's dominance was clear with four goals, of which three were disallowed for offside.
Panama's Exit and Croatia's Hope
The DR Congo, which didn't manage a shot on target until the 85th minute, was eliminated without earning a single point from two matches.
In Group L, Panama's journey ended after a narrow 1-0 loss to Croatia at Toronto's BMO Field.
Ante Budimir's lone goal made him Croatia's oldest World Cup scorer. Despite Panama's energetic play and effective wing attacks, they lacked the precision needed to convert their efforts into clear scoring chances.
Croatia, now with three points, still has a chance to advance heading into the final group match, while Panama concludes its 2026 World Cup campaign with just one point.
England and Ghana's Stalemate
In the group's other clash, England missed the chance to secure their passage, drawing 0-0 with Ghana at Boston's Gillette Stadium.
Harry Kane's subdued performance, combined with coach Thomas Tuchel's ineffective substitutions, failed to breach the African side's robust defense. Ghana earned a crucial point to stay in contention.
Now, both England and Ghana sit with four points each in Group L, with the group's fate to be decided on June 27.
Ronaldo's record-breaking achievement at 41, likely his last World Cup appearance, is regarded by experts as "nearly impossible to surpass," given the extraordinary longevity required to score in six different World Cup editions.
Frequently Asked Questions about FIFA 2026 Highlights
Who is the first player to score in six World Cups?
Cristiano Ronaldo is the first player to score in six different World Cups, achieving this historic feat during the 2026 tournament.
How did Colombia secure their spot in the round of 16?
Colombia secured their spot in the round of 16 by defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0, accumulating six points from two victories.
Why was Panama eliminated from the World Cup?
Panama was eliminated from the World Cup after losing 1-0 to Croatia, leaving them with only one point in Group L.