Cristiano Ronaldo has become the oldest player to score a goal in a knockout stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Portugal
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Croatia
USA 2026
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02:00
Cristiano Ronaldo
Club: Al-Nassr
Portugal
USA 2026
Ronaldo scored the equalizing goal against Croatia from a penalty kick in the 68th minute during the Round of 32 matches.
For the first time, Ronaldo has scored a goal in a knockout stage match of the FIFA World Cup throughout his participation history.
In five previous editions, the Portuguese captain only scored in the group stages, having failed to score in eight prior knockout matches.
Ronaldo raised his tally to 11 goals in 26 World Cup matches across six editions from 2006 to 2026.
⚽🥅 Ronaldo equalizes for Portugal from the penalty spot! Norwegian referee Espen Eskås awarded a penalty to Portugal after using video assistant referee (VAR) technology.#WorldCup2026 | #Mundial2026 | #WorldCup#beINWC26 | #FIFAWorldCup2026 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/uW16YzLeQb
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) July 3, 2026
Ronaldo topped the list of the oldest scorers in FIFA World Cup knockout stages at the age of 41 years and 147 days.
Ronaldo surpassed his compatriot Pepe, who scored at the age of 39 years and 283 days in 2022.
Ronaldo raised his international goal tally to 146 goals for Portugal in 232 matches.
He also scored his 22nd penalty kick in his career with Portugal out of 32 taken.
It is worth noting that the winner of this match will face Spain in the Round of 16.
