Uzbekistan falls to Portugal in second round of World Cup group stage

After drawing with DR Congo in their opening match, Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 in the second round of the group stage.

2026 FIFA World Cup

Group K, Round 2, June 23, Houston, NRG Stadium

Portugal vs. Uzbekistan 5-0

Goals: Cristiano Ronaldo 6’, 39’, Nuno Mendes 17’, Abduvohid Nematov 60’ (OG), Rafael Leão 87′

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 6th minute, while Nuno Mendes doubled Portugal’s advantage in the 17th. Ronaldo then added a second in the 39th minute to complete his brace. Uzbekistan’s Abduvohid Nematov scored an own goal in the 60th minute. Rafael Leão sealed the victory in the 87th minute.

Uzbekistan’s Azizjon Ganiev netted in the 29th minute, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.

The match was officiated by a refereeing team led by Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed.