Nuno Mendes fires free-kick as Portugal crush Uzbekistan 5-0 in World Cup opener

Nuno Mendes hit a stunning free-kick as Portugal crushed Uzbekistan 5-0 in their 2026 World Cup opener on 18 June, with Cristiano Ronaldo rewriting finals history and Bruno Fernandes starring in a dominant display at NRG Stadium.

What happened in Houston?

Portugal answered their critics in style after a disappointing opening draw with DR Congo, running out 5-0 winners over Uzbekistan in their first match of the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo opened the scoring inside six minutes, volleying in Joao Cancelo’s cross to become the first men’s player to score at six different World Cups. But it was Mendes who turned the screws early, stepping up to drill a low free-kick into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.

Uzbekistan’s Azizjon Ganiev pulled one back with a stunning long-range strike, only for VAR to rule it out for a foul on Cancelo. Ronaldo then made the points safe, latching onto Bruno Fernandes’ through-ball to slide his shot past Abduvohid Nematov. A Khusanov own goal and Rafael Leao’s late strike wrapped up the rout.

Why it matters for Nuno Mendes

Mendes’ free-kick was the moment that shifted the game’s momentum. The PSG left-back showed his composure under pressure, driving forward to almost set up Ronaldo early on. His defensive recovery was just as impressive, snuffing out danger on multiple occasions to earn an 8/10 rating from Goal ratings.

The performance underlined Mendes’ growing influence in Portugal’s attack. Felix’s inclusion in the starting XI allowed him to push higher up the pitch, linking up with Ronaldo and Fernandes to stretch Uzbekistan’s defence. His ability to recover and recycle possession kept Portugal’s tempo high throughout the 90 minutes.

How Ronaldo rewrote history

Ronaldo’s brace took his World Cup tally to 12 goals, surpassing Ferenc Puskas to become Portugal’s all-time top scorer in finals. His first goal made him the first men’s player to score at six different World Cups, a record that cements his legacy as one of the tournament’s greatest ever strikers.

But Ronaldo wasn’t alone in shining. Fernandes’ clever set-piece deliveries caused havoc, most notably leading to Khusanov’s own goal. His driving run and pass set up Ronaldo’s second, while his vision kept Portugal’s midfield ticking. The Manchester United playmaker finished with an 8/10 rating, the standout performer alongside Mendes.

What comes next for Portugal?

Roberto Martinez’s side now face a tougher test against France in their next group-stage clash. The win against Uzbekistan proved Portugal can bounce back from a slow start, but Didier Deschamps’ side will demand a sterner test. Mendes and Fernandes will need to replicate their form if Portugal are to progress deep into the tournament.

Portugal’s defence, meanwhile, will be looking to tighten up after Diogo Costa was forced into a couple of straightforward saves. Ruben Dias and Raphael Veiga had quieter evenings, but the backline’s resilience-helped by Mendes’ recovery runs-kept Uzbekistan at bay for most of the match.

The 5-0 scoreline flattered Uzbekistan, but Portugal’s attacking trio of Ronaldo, Fernandes and Mendes showed why they’re among the tournament’s most dangerous sides. With France next up, Martinez’s men will need to keep that momentum going if they’re to challenge for the title.