FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Today Live Score: Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics as he slammed a brace against Uzbekistan on Monday. Nuno Mendes chipped in with another strike as Portugal went into half time with a 3-0 lead vs Uzbekistan. After a shocking 1-1 draw against DR Congo, one that stung Portugal as much as a defeat, one of the pre-tournament favourites and Roberto Martínez’s star-studded side will be desperate to find their rhythm and register their first win of the FIFA World Cup 2026 when they face Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday.
Cristiano Ronaldo will once again command the spotlight, though not necessarily for the right reasons. Growing voices are debating the 41-year-old’s place in the side, questioning whether he is holding back a team widely considered to be Portugal’s golden generation, featuring the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes and Bernardo Silva. What will trouble Ronaldo most, however, is his extended goal drought. Despite attempting 33 shots and amassing an expected goals (xG) tally of 4.5 across his last 10 major tournament appearances, spanning World Cups and European Championships, he has failed to find the net in each of those matches.
For Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan, inspiration will need to come from within if they are to make an impression on their World Cup debut. Despite a 3-1 loss to Colombia in their opening game, their xG of 1.16 was the highest by a tournament debutant since Slovakia in 2010.