Ronaldo Nazário scored his first World Cup goal against Morocco, Brazil’s opening opponent in 2026
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, Brazil debuts in the World Cup against Morocco. The Brazilian Football Confederation took the opportunity to remember a milestone in the team’s history: it was exactly against the Moroccans thatRonaldo Nazarioopened his personal count at World Championships.
On June 16, 1998, in the second round of the group stage of the French Cup, the Phenomenon found the net in the ninth minute in a 3-0 victory at the Stade de la Beaujoire, in Nantes. The goal began a trajectory that would make him Brazil’s top scorer in World Cups, with 15 goals in total.
Beginning of an era of protagonism
At 21, Ronaldo was already a global star, but he had yet to score in a World Cup. Called up for the 1994 World Cup in the United States, he did not take the field. The goal against Morocco, after a good pass from Rivaldo, marked the beginning of his decisive influence on the national team.
In that same edition, he also scored three more goals: two against Chile, in the round of 16, and one in the semi-final against the Netherlands. He finished as the youngest player voted best in the World Cup, despite finishing runner-up to France.
Numbers that put you at the top
Ronaldo played 19 games in World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2006), averaging 0.79 goals per game. In the knockout stages, there were eight goals in ten matches, an elite mark alongside names like Kylian Mbappé and Leônidas da Silva.
He is the second highest scorer in World Cup history, with 15 goals — surpassed only by Miroslav Klose (16). For the national team, he accumulated 105 games and 67 goals in his career.
The peak in 2002 and the fifth championship
The 2002 World Cup, in South Korea and Japan, represented the culmination. Recovering from serious physical problems, Ronaldo scored eight times and was the tournament’s top scorer. The two goals in the final against Germany stood out, guaranteeing Brazil’s fifth title.
In the group stage, he found the back of the net against Türkiye, China and twice against Costa Rica. In the knockout stage, they decided against Belgium and Türkiye, before being enshrined in the decision.
Closing in 2006 and lasting legacy
In his last appearance, in Germany 2006, Ronaldo scored three goals: two against Japan and one against Ghana, in the round of 16. This last goal made him, at the time, the greatest scorer in World Cup history.
Two-time world champion (1994, as a reserve, and 2002), the Phenomenon left a legacy of overcoming, efficiency and decisive moments. The opening goal against Morocco, almost three decades ago, symbolizes the beginning of this journey that still inspires new generations of the national team.
