Portugal booked a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in Toronto. The win kept Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup hopes alive and ended Croatia’s campaign in heartbreaking fashion.
Croatia struck first in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perisic, but Portugal responded in the 68th minute when Ronaldo converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review. The match remained finely balanced until substitute Goncalo Ramos headed home a stoppage-time winner in the 94th minute.
The encounter ended in controversy after Croatia thought they had found a late equaliser, only for the goal to be ruled out following another VAR review. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic criticised the officiating after the match, though he admitted his side had not done enough, especially in the first half.
Portugal’s victory sets up a heavyweight Round of 16 clash against Spain, while the result is expected to mark the end of Luka Modric’s World Cup journey with Croatia. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez later admitted his side had been fortunate with some of the key decisions in the game.
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