Live Blog! Portugal vs. Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026
Second Half 🇵🇹 Portugal v Croatia 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — Full Time: Portugal Survives in Toronto!
It's over! Portugal defeats Croatia after a dramatic finish in Toronto, in a match that had everything: goals, penalties, shots off the woodwork, huge saves, disallowed goals and tension until the final second.
With this result, the Portuguese advance to face Spain, while Luka Modrić's World Cup journey comes to an end. An absolute legend of the game says goodbye.
🇵🇹 2-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 90+12': Croatia's Goal Is Ruled Out!
Absolute drama in Toronto! Croatia had found a miraculous equalizer through Joško Gvardiol, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Portugal breathes again just when it looked like the match was heading to extra time. The Portuguese remain ahead in a wild finish.
🇵🇹 2-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 90+12': GOOOOOOOOAL CROATIA!!!
An unbelievable finish in Toronto! Joško Gvardiol came through when all hope seemed lost, finding the ball inside the box and firing it into the net for a dramatic last-gasp equalizer.
Just as Portugal thought it had secured its place in the next round, Croatia strikes back in incredible fashion. Extra time awaits!
🇵🇹 2-2 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 94': Ramos Puts Portugal on the Brink of Spain Clash!
That was the spectacular header from Gonçalo Ramos, who rose with authority inside the box and sent the ball into the back of the net to give Portugal the lead in the final minutes.
A goal that could send the Portuguese into the next round and set up a massive clash against Spain.
🇵🇹 2-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 93': GOOOOOOOOAL PORTUGAL!!!
Toronto erupts! Gonçalo Ramos rises at the perfect moment and powers a brilliant header into the back of the net to complete the comeback for Portugal.
Just when extra time seemed inevitable, Portugal finds the winning goal and puts one foot into the Round of 16, where Spain awaits.
🇵🇹 2-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 88': Pašalić Misses a Golden Chance!
Croatia came incredibly close! Mario Pašalić met the cross with a header inside the box, but his effort drifted just wide of the target.
A golden opportunity goes begging for the Croatians as the match heads into its dramatic final moments.
🇵🇹 1-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 80': Surprise for Portugal!
A shocking move from Roberto Martínez! Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's captain, comes off just minutes after scoring the equalizer from the penalty spot.
A bold decision by the Portuguese coach in a match that remains wide open, where any detail could decide who advances.
🇵🇹 1-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 79': Croatia's Goal Is Ruled Out!
Croatia was already celebrating! Luka Sučić had put the ball into the back of the net to give the Croatians the lead again, but the play was ruled out for offside.
Portugal survives another dramatic moment. This match is absolutely on fire in Toronto.
🇵🇹 1-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 75': Costa Saves Portugal Again!
Portugal survives again! Igor Matanović came close to scoring Croatia's second, but Diogo Costa rushed out brilliantly to close down the angle and deny him.
The Portuguese goalkeeper is keeping his team alive during a spell of heavy pressure. What a match in Toronto!
🇵🇹 1-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 74': Kovačić Hits the Post!
What a play by Mateo Kovačić! The Croatia midfielder produced a moment of brilliance, unleashed a powerful shot, and watched it crash off the post.
The rebound fell kindly for the visitors, but Diogo Costa reacted brilliantly to push the ball away for a corner and keep Portugal alive.
What a thrilling end-to-end battle in Toronto!
🇵🇹 1-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 68': SIIIIUUUUUUUU!!!
That's the goal from the Commander, Cristiano Ronaldo! With trademark composure, he sent Dominik Livaković the wrong way from the penalty spot before firing into the back of the net.
The legendary CR7 steps up when Portugal needs him most, leveling the match and setting up a thrilling finish in Toronto.
🇵🇹 1-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 67': GOOOOOOOOAL CRISTIANO!!!
Cristiano Ronaldo delivers! The Portugal captain converts the penalty with ice in his veins and brings the match level in Toronto.
It is also a historic goal: Cristiano Ronaldo scores his first goal in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup. What a match!
🇵🇹 1-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 66': PENALTY FOR PORTUGAL!!!
The VAR steps in! After reviewing the play, the referee awards a penalty to Portugal for a clear holding foul inside the box.
A golden opportunity now awaits Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal to level the match. The tension in Toronto couldn't be higher!
🇵🇹 0-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 60': Cristiano's Goal Is Ruled Out!
Portugal thought it had found the equalizer! Cristiano Ronaldo put the ball into the back of the net, but the assistant referee immediately raised the flag for offside.
The Portuguese captain had already begun celebrating, but the goal does not count. What a dramatic moment in Toronto!
🇵🇹 0-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 58': Diogo Costa Saves Portugal!
What a match in Toronto! Just after Portugal responded with Rafael Leão's shot off the crossbar, Diogo Costa came up huge to keep the Portuguese alive and deny Croatia a second goal.
The game has completely opened up: end-to-end action, chances in both boxes and maximum tension.
🇵🇹 0-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 57': Leão Hits the Crossbar!
Portugal responds! Rafael Leão fired a dangerous shot that smashed against Dominik Livaković's crossbar.
The Portuguese were inches away from equalizing and are now pushing hard after Ivan Perišić's opener.
🇵🇹 0-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 53': Perišić Puts Croatia Ahead
That was the goal from Ivan Perišić, the veteran showing all his experience to control the ball inside the box and finish with real class into the back of the net.
A huge blow from Croatia, which now has the lead and forces Portugal to respond in Toronto.
🇵🇹 0-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 52': GOOOOOOOOAL CROATIA!!!
Croatia strikes first! Ivan Perišić showed up at the perfect moment inside the box, took advantage of a dangerous cross, controlled it brilliantly and fired the ball into the back of the net.
After surviving much of the first half, Croatia lands the first punch early in the second half and puts Portugal under pressure.
🇵🇹 0-1 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 47': Portugal Gets Away With One!
The first big chance of the second half belongs to Croatia. Mateo Kovačić unleashed a powerful shot that skimmed just wide of Diogo Costa's post.
A huge warning for Portugal! Croatia has come out with much more intensity after halftime and is already pushing for the opening goal.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — The Second Half Is Underway in Toronto!
The final 45 minutes are underway in Toronto. Portugal will look to turn its first-half dominance into the breakthrough goal, while Croatia hopes to grow into the game and capitalize on any counterattacking opportunities.
The next 45 minutes will decide who keeps their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
First Half 🇵🇹 Portugal v Croatia 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — Halftime
The first 45 minutes are over in Toronto. Portugal has been the more dangerous side, controlling possession and creating the best chances, but Dominik Livaković has been outstanding for Croatia, making several crucial saves.
The Croatians improved defensively as the half progressed and managed to slow down Rafael Leão, although they have struggled to create clear opportunities against Diogo Costa.
Everything remains wide open heading into what promises to be an exciting second half.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 46': Rafael Leão Had a Chance!
Rafael Leão showed up again inside the box after a rebound and went for a volley, but he could not strike the ball cleanly and sent his effort over Dominik Livaković's goal.
Portugal is finishing the first half on the front foot, although Croatia is now defending with much better organization.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 42': Croatia Settles In
Croatia is trying to push forward, although it still lacks the final pass and depth needed to truly threaten Portugal's box.
Defensively, though, the Croatians look much better organized and have managed to slow down Rafael Leão, who had been the most dangerous player in the early stages.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 32': Livaković Keeps Croatia Alive!
Croatia survives once again! Portugal created another dangerous attack, but Dominik Livaković came up with an excellent save to deny the opening goal.
The Croatian goalkeeper has been the standout performer so far, keeping his team level despite Portugal's relentless pressure.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 29': Cristiano Comes Close!
Portugal knocks on the door again! A dangerous cross came in from the right flank and Cristiano Ronaldo attacked the box, but he could not quite make contact.
The ball flashed dangerously across the Croatia area, and the Portuguese keep piling on the pressure as they search for the opener.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 22': Portugal in Control
Portugal continues to look like the more dangerous side. The Portuguese are controlling possession and, whenever space opens up, they attack with pace and directness, putting the Croatia defense under constant pressure.
The breakthrough feels closer for Portugal in Toronto.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 15': Portugal Threatens Again
Another corner kick for Portugal. Renato Veiga rose above the defense and headed the ball toward goal, but his effort sailed over Dominik Livaković's crossbar.
Portugal continues to be the more dangerous side in the opening stages as it searches for the breakthrough.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 10': Croatia Responds
Croatia answers back. Ante Budimir found room to shoot, but his effort sailed over the crossbar of Diogo Costa's goal.
The Croatians respond to Portugal's early pressure, and the match continues at a lively pace in Toronto.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 8': Portugal Turns Up the Pressure!
Another dangerous attack from Portugal. Pedro Neto delivered an excellent cross into the box, Dominik Livaković misjudged his run, and the ball fell to Cristiano Ronaldo, but the Portuguese captain couldn't get a shot away.
Portugal is controlling the early stages and has Croatia under constant pressure.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 6': Portugal Keeps Pushing!
Another dangerous attack from Portugal. João Cancelo met the ball with a volley outside the box, but his effort sailed over Dominik Livaković's crossbar.
Portugal has started to take control of the match and is creating more and more danger around the Croatian goal.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 3': Portugal Responds!
Now it's Portugal's turn to threaten. Rafael Leão produced a brilliant run down the flank before setting up Bruno Fernandes, whose shot was brilliantly saved by the Croatian goalkeeper.
An entertaining start in Toronto, with both teams creating chances in the opening minutes.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — 2': Croatia's First Warning
The first chance belongs to Croatia. Ante Budumir tried his luck from distance, but the effort was comfortably gathered by Diogo Costa.
The Croatians are the first to test the Portuguese goalkeeper in Toronto.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — Kickoff in Toronto!
The ball is rolling in Toronto! Portugal and Croatia are underway, battling for a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
All eyes are on two football legends: Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić. Only one of them will keep the World Cup dream alive tonight, while the other's journey will come to an end.
🇵🇹 0-0 🇭🇷
Pre Match 🇵🇹 Portugal v Croatia 🇭🇷
🇵🇹 🇭🇷 — Pregame: All Set in Toronto
Portugal and Croatia are already on the pitch in Toronto for one of the most exciting Round of 16 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The stage is set for a clash filled with history, talent and drama, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić taking center stage in what promises to be a thrilling night.
🇵🇹 vs 🇭🇷
A Battle of Legends for a Place in the Round of 16
The FIFA World Cup 2026 delivers one of the most anticipated matches of the Round of 32 as Portugal and Croatia face off in a clash featuring two of Europe's most talented generations and two of the greatest footballers of this century: Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić.
For Cristiano Ronaldo, every match represents another opportunity to capture the only major trophy missing from his extraordinary résumé: the FIFA World Cup. At 41 years old, the Portuguese captain remains the team's leader and knows this tournament could mark the final great chapter of his international career.
On the other side stands a Croatia team that continues to make history. Led by Luka Modrić, this golden generation has reached a World Cup final and a semifinal in the last two editions and now hopes to add another unforgettable chapter by eliminating one of the tournament's top contenders.
Portugal Lineup
Croatia Lineup
Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo Look to Move One Step Closer to the Dream
Portugal arrives with one of the deepest squads in the tournament, although it showed some inconsistencies during the group stage. After drawing with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Portuguese bounced back with a commanding victory over Uzbekistan before securing first place in the group with a hard-fought draw against Colombia, proving there is still room for improvement.
Head coach Roberto Martínez has built a side known for dominating possession, boasting a technically gifted midfield and dynamic attacking players such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leão. However, all eyes will once again be on Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains the team's attacking leader and the player expected to make the difference in the biggest moments.
Croatia Aims to Give Its Golden Generation Another Historic Triumph
Few national teams handle knockout football better than Croatia. The squad coached by Zlatko Dalić once again demonstrated during the group stage that experience and tactical discipline remain its greatest strengths.
With Luka Modrić serving as both the emotional and footballing leader, the Croatians will look to control the tempo through midfield and force Portugal into uncomfortable situations. Defensive solidity, intelligent ball movement, and patience in possession have been key ingredients in the Balkan side's World Cup campaign.
If Croatia can dictate the pace of the match and prevent Portugal's wingers from finding space, it will have a genuine opportunity to eliminate one of the tournament favorites and further cement the legacy of a generation that has already earned a special place in the nation's football history.
Follow all the coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on beIN SPORTS.
