Ronaldo, Modric Break Records; England's Unwanted Milestone at FIFA World Cup 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record by scoring in six FIFA World Cups and became the oldest to net a brace, while Luka Modric reached 200 international caps. England, however, marked an unwelcome record with their 13th scoreless World Cup draw, all unfolding during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.
Key Highlights
- Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six FIFA World Cup editions.
- Ronaldo surpasses Messi's record as oldest player to score a World Cup brace.
- Luka Modric reaches 200 international caps, fourth male player to achieve this.
- England registers an unlucky 13th scoreless draw in FIFA World Cup history.
- Portugal secures a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, with Ronaldo scoring twice.
- Lionel Messi had earlier become the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, currently underway across North America from June 11 to July 19, 2026, has already witnessed several historic moments and record-breaking performances, particularly from football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, while England marked an unfortunate milestone.
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name further into the annals of football history by becoming the first player ever to score in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup. This monumental achievement occurred during Portugal's commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their Group K clash. Ronaldo, at 41 years and 138 days old, netted two goals in the match, not only securing a comfortable win for his team but also breaking Lionel Messi's recently set record as the oldest player to score a World Cup brace. Messi had previously scored a brace against Austria in the ongoing tournament at 38 years and 363 days old.
Before Ronaldo's latest feat, Lionel Messi had also made headlines in the 2026 World Cup by becoming the tournament's all-time leading goalscorer. Messi had equaled Ronaldo's previous record of scoring in five World Cup editions earlier in the tournament, making their ongoing rivalry a continuous source of captivating narratives for fans worldwide.
In the match against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo's performance was pivotal. He opened his goal-scoring tally in the sixth minute, converting a cross from João Cancelo, and added another in the 39th minute from a Bruno Fernandes pass, contributing significantly to Portugal's dominant display. This brace brought his total World Cup goals to 10, surpassing the legendary Eusébio as Portugal's all-time leading scorer in the tournament. Ronaldo's defiant message of "I'm back" after the match resonated widely, quashing criticisms following a goalless start to the tournament for him.
Meanwhile, Croatian midfield maestro Luka Modric also celebrated a significant personal milestone in the 2026 World Cup. Modric made his 200th international appearance for Croatia during their Group L fixture against Panama, a match they won 1-0. This achievement places the 40-year-old captain in an elite club, becoming only the fourth male player in the history of football to reach 200 international caps. He joins an exclusive list that includes Cristiano Ronaldo (230 caps), Bader Al-Mutawa of Kuwait (202 caps), and Lionel Messi (201 caps). His longevity and consistent elite-level performance continue to define his illustrious career, spanning nearly two decades since his international debut in 2006.
On the less triumphant side, England registered an unwelcome historical record during their 0-0 draw against Ghana in the group stage. The goalless encounter marked England's thirteenth scoreless draw in FIFA World Cup history, making them the team with the most such draws in the tournament's history, ahead of Brazil. Despite dominating possession with 79%, England failed to convert their chances, extending their unbeaten run against African teams at the World Cup to nine matches but missing an opportunity for a win. This draw ended England's 12-match winning streak in competitive football, and while frustrating, it comes in the context of an expanded tournament where the best third-placed teams can still advance.
The early stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026 have thus been rich with individual records and team narratives, highlighting both the enduring brilliance of veteran players and the competitive nature of the expanded global tournament. These events are not just significant for the players and teams involved but also capture the imagination of a global audience, including passionate football fans in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new record did Cristiano Ronaldo achieve at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player in history to score in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup. He also set a new record as the oldest player to score a brace in the tournament, at 41 years and 138 days old.
How many international caps has Luka Modric reached?
Luka Modric achieved his 200th international cap for Croatia during the FIFA World Cup 2026, making him only the fourth male player in history to reach this milestone.
What is England's 'unlucky 13' record at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
England recorded their 13th scoreless draw in FIFA World Cup history during their match against Ghana, an unwanted record that makes them the team with the most such draws.
Did Portugal win their match against Uzbekistan?
Yes, Portugal secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring two goals.
Has Lionel Messi broken any records in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Lionel Messi had become the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer earlier in the tournament. He also scored in five different editions of the World Cup, a record briefly shared with Ronaldo before Ronaldo scored in his sixth.