Megastar Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest player to score in the knockout phase of the World Cup when Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup at BMO Field Stadium, Toronto, United States.
According to FIFA's statement on its official website, which was monitored the 41-year-old player became the oldest goal scorer in the history of the knockout stage, surpassing his friend and teammate, Pepe, who was 39 years old.
Ronaldo set the record in his ninth appearance in the World Cup knockout stage. The Portugal striker and captain scored from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after the referee awarded Portugal a penalty following a video assistant referee (VAR) review for a Croatian foul in the box.
The goal changed the score to 1-1 and raised the spirits of Portugal who had previously been behind.
Throughout the match, Ronaldo threatened the Croatian defense several times. He missed a chance in the first half and was also adjudged to be in an offside position early in the second half.
