Ronaldo becomes oldest World Cup knockout goalscorer as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1

Toronto: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name into the history books by becoming the oldest player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match during Portugal's 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday (local time).Vencemos por nós, pelo Diogo e por Portugal!!! VAMOS!!!! pic.twitter.com/pOOm7XRlCY— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2026 Cristiano Ronaldo scores from the penalty spot for Portugal against Croatia. pic.twitter.com/qvhwZ5JUwp— Sports on Predict (@predictdotsport) July 3, 2026 The 41-year-old reached the milestone at the age of 41 years and 147 days, surpassing the previous record for the oldest goalscorer in a World Cup knockout fixture. Interestingly, it is also the first-ever goal in Knockout matches for Al-Nassr captain Ronaldo, who is featuring in his record sixth FIFA World Cup.41 years, 148 days. Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the oldest player ever to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match. pic.twitter.com/50jklfJM38— SportsGully (@thesportsgully) July 3, 2026 Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot in the 67th minute after a VAR review awarded Portugal a spot-kick, cancelling out Ivan Perisic's opener for Croatia and bringing Roberto Martinez's side level. The legendary footballer was also named Player of the Match for his superb performance throughout the match.Cristiano Ronaldo got emotional as he put on a Portugal jersey with Diogo Jota's No. 21 after their win ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LeVmWmmkmB— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 3, 2026 Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, with substitute Goncalo Ramos heading home a stoppage-time winner to send Roberto Martinez's side into the Round of 16. Croatia had taken the lead through Ivan Perisic, who became the country's all-time leading World Cup scorer, before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot after a VAR review.FIFA World Cup 2026: Croatia Supporters Throw Bottles On Pitch After VAR Overturns Dramatic Late Equaliser Against Portugal | Video Croatia had two goals ruled out for offside, including a late equaliser deep into stoppage time, as Portugal held on to set up an all-Iberian Round of 16 clash against Spain. The match also marked the end of Luka Modric's potential World Cup career. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has become the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match. Ronaldo achieved the feat, after converting a second-half penalty to bring his side level against Croatia in a last-32 clash. Ivan Perisic had opened the scoring in the 53rd minute of the game. In the 68th minute, Ronaldo […] 2026 World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo makes history as Portugal eliminate Croatia

The strike saw Ronaldo score his first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal for the first time in his sixth appearance at the tournament.

Portugal football team superstar Cristiano Ronaldo scripted history by becoming the oldest player to score a goal in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.

Portugal football team superstar Cristiano Ronaldo scripted history by becoming the oldest player to score a goal in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name in World Cup history, becoming the oldest goalscorer in knockout stages at 41 years and 147 days with a penalty against Croatia. This remarkable feat also places him second overall on the all-time World Cup scoring list. His appearance also marked him as the oldest outfield player to start a knockout match, underscoring his enduring legacy.