Photo:Reuters
Cristiano Ronaldo began his quest to play in a record sixth World Cup in spectacular fashion. The 40-year-old superstar scored two goals as Portugal crushed Armenia 5-0 in their opening match of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Ronaldo’s goals not only helped Portugal secure a dominant win but also extended his record as the highest scorer in men’s international football to 140 goals. The legendary forward has shown he is still motivated to set new records, even as he nears the final years of his career.
Ronaldo recently signed a new contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr and led Portugal to victory at the UEFA Nations League last summer. However, the World Cup remains the only major trophy missing from his trophy cabinet, keeping him just behind his longtime rival Lionel Messi, who lifted the trophy with Argentina in 2022.
Next year’s World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, may be Ronaldo’s final chance to lift the trophy. If he plays, he and Messi would both appear in a sixth World Cup, a feat no other player has matched.
In the match against Armenia at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Ronaldo scored once in each half. His second goal was a spectacular strike from around 25 meters, reminding fans of his prime years. Ronaldo celebrated by pointing to the sky, paying tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota, who passed away in a car accident in July. Joao Cancelo also honored Jota with his signature celebration, sitting cross-legged like he was playing a video game.
Portugal’s other goals came from Joao Felix, who opened the scoring in the 10th minute and added a second goal later, and Joao Cancelo, who also found the net. Portugal midfielder Vitinha praised the team’s performance as “near-perfect,” highlighting the energy and teamwork on display.
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Meanwhile, England continued its winning run in World Cup qualifying, maintaining a 100% record with a 2-0 victory over Andorra at Villa Park. Coach Thomas Tuchel’s team is now top of Group K with four wins after an own goal by Christian Garcia and a header by Declan Rice.
However, despite the win, England struggled at times against the 174th-ranked Andorra, showing inconsistencies similar to previous matches. Star striker Harry Kane could not score, missing his best chance with an open goal. Tuchel admitted the team performed better than before but added, “We should have scored more.” England now faces Serbia in a key match, which could be decisive for group qualification.
In other football news, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) confirmed injuries to Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue while playing for their countries. Dembele has a serious right hamstring injury, expected to keep him out for up to six weeks, while Doue strained his calf and will miss around four weeks.
In Group H, Ireland staged an incredible comeback to draw 2-2 with Hungary. Ireland was 2-0 down in the first 15 minutes but managed to equalize with goals from Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah, the latter scoring in the third minute of stoppage time. Hungary was reduced to 10 men after Roland Sallai received a red card, giving Ireland a late opportunity to fight back.
Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria maintained perfect records in their group. Veteran striker Edin Dzeko scored twice as Bosnia defeated 10-man San Marino 6-0, while Austria edged Cyprus 1-0 through Marcel Sabitzer’s penalty, keeping both teams at the top of Group H.
This matchweek showcased the enduring talent of veteran stars like Ronaldo and Dzeko, England’s mixed form under Tuchel, and several key injuries in top European clubs, all shaping the road to the 2026 World Cup. Fans around the world will now watch eagerly as these teams continue their quest for World Cup glory, with Ronaldo’s historic pursuit and rising stars like Joao Felix providing extra excitement.
