Cristiano Ronaldo Scores First World Cup Knockout Goal of His Career

Portugal Triumphs as Ronaldo Ends Long-Awaited Drought

According to Главком: During the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo netted his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match. The milestone came in the 68th minute against Croatia, when he converted a penalty to level the score at 1–1. Prior to this game, he had appeared in eight World Cup knockout fixtures without finding the back of the net.

Thanks to that equalizer, Portugal went on to defeat Croatia and advance to the Round of 16. This edition of the World Cup is being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time 48 teams are competing. The tournament is scheduled to conclude on July 19.

Other Match Results

• Morocco edged past the Netherlands in a penalty shootout.
• In the Round of 16, Morocco will face Canada, who beat South Africa 1–0 thanks to a 90+2-minute goal from Stephen Eustáquio.
• The Canada vs. Morocco match is set for July 4 in Houston, USA.
• Brazil secured a victory over Japan, booking their spot in the next stage.

This game represented a major personal milestone for Ronaldo, as he finally broke his scoreless streak in World Cup knockout rounds-a feat that boosted confidence for both him and the entire squad. Portugal continues its pursuit of the title, while rising challengers like Morocco and Canada promise thrilling encounters in the upcoming round. The 2026 World Cup, spanning three host nations, has already delivered surprises and compelling results that could reshape the global soccer landscape.

In a thrilling encounter that showcased Portugal's resilience, the team's dramatic victory over Croatia came just moments before the final whistle. This match not only highlighted Ronaldo's crucial contribution but also emphasized the intense competition in this World Cup. For a deeper look at how Portugal secured their last-minute win, check out our detailed coverage of the match's final moments.