Portugal advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a pulse-pounding 2-1 victory over Croatia at the Toronto Stadium. In a match defined by late drama, clinical finishing, and significant VAR intervention, Roberto Martinez's side managed to keep their tournament aspirations alive and set up a high-profile showdown against Spain.
The match began with high intensity, though the first half ended scoreless despite several promising chances, particularly from Rafael Leao and Bruno Fernandes.
Croatia draws first blood
The deadlock was finally broken in the 53rd minute when Croatia's Ivan Perisic slotted the ball home following a precise cross from Josip Stanisic. The goal shifted the momentum to Croatia, forcing Portugal to chase the game. Portugal's response was swift and led by their veteran talisman. In the 68th minute, after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Renato Veiga, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to the penalty spot. He calmly converted the spot-kick to equalise, marking his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match and becoming the oldest player to score at this stage of the tournament.
Stoppage time heroics
With the game poised for extra time, Portugal's substitute Goncalo Ramos delivered the decisive blow. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Ramos met a sumptuous cross from Rafael Leao and glanced home the header to send the Portugal bench into delirium. The drama was not quite finished. In a final, desperate surge, Croatia's Josko Gvardiol found the net in the dying seconds. However, the stadium erupted in confusion and then relief for Portugal as a lengthy VAR check ruled the goal out for offside, determining that Mario Pasalic had been offside in the buildup.
Looking toward the Round of 16
Portugal will face Spain in the Round of 16 on July 6. This victory continues Portugal's campaign while likely ending the World Cup career of Croatia's legendary captain, Luka Modric. While Ronaldo's penalty was historic, much of the post-match discourse centered on Goncalo Ramos's impact off the bench and the contentious nature of the late VAR decisions that ultimately decided Croatia's fate.
Portugal now turns its attention to Dallas, where they face a formidable Spanish side in what is widely considered one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament's knockout phase.