Portugal vs Uzbekistan, FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Score: Focus on Ronaldo as POR eye first win vs UZB in Houston

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.

SCROLL DOWN TO FOLLOW PORTUGAL VS UZBEKISTAN LIVE SCORE UPDATES OF FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 MATCH

Yin & Yang: A statistical breakdown of Messi & Ronaldo’s first World Cup games

Lionel Messi has dominated Cristiano Ronaldo across all facets during the opening World Cup 2026 round last week. (AP Photo)

Messi’s hat-trick in the defending champions’ 3-0 romp over Algeria was contrasted with the sorry figure the Portuguese superstar cut in 1-1 draw with underdogs Democratic Republic of Congo.
With the two legends on the final legs of their careers, we analyse why. (READ MORE)