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Rabat – Portugal and Croatia meet in Toronto today at BMO Field in Toronto in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the winner advancing to face Spain or Austria in the Round of 16.
Portugal finished second in group K after drawing with DR Congo and Colombia, while also recording 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. Croatia also advanced as group runner-up, recovering from an opening defeat to England with narrow victories over Panama and Ghana.
The fixture also renews a familiar rivalry, with Portugal winning seven of the previous 10 meetings between the two sides.
Match Details
Fixture: Portugal vs Croatia
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32
Venue: Toronto Stadium (BMO Field), Toronto, Canada
Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026
Kick-off: 7:00 p.m. local time (ET) / midnight GMT / 1:00 a.m. CEST (Friday, July 3)
Where to Watch: beIN SPORTS (MENA), FOX & Telemundo (USA), BBC One (UK), SBS (Australia)
Portugal team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Portugal have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of the match.
Recent Form: Roberto Martinez’s side finished second in Group K, with draws against DR Congo and Colombia either side of a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.
Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal’s focal point after becoming the country’s all-time leading World Cup scorer during the group stage. Bruno Fernandes is expected to operate behind him, while Vitinha and Joao Neves provide control in midfield.
Likely XI: D. Costa; J. Cancelo, R. Dias, R. Veiga, N. Mendes; Vitinha, J. Neves; P. Neto, B. Fernandes, J. Felix; C. Ronaldo.
Croatia team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Croatia also enters the match without any injury or suspension concerns.
Recent Form: Zlatko Dalic’s side finished second in Group L after recovering from a 4-2 defeat to England with narrow wins over Panama and Ghana.
Key Players: Luka Modric remains central to Croatia’s midfield structure and could be approaching his final World Cup match. Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic also bring major experience, while Ante Budimir is expected to lead the line.
Likely XI: D. Livakovic; J. Stanisic, M. Pongracic, J. Sutalo, I. Perisic; L. Modric, M. Kovacic; N. Vlasic, P. Sucic, M. Baturina; A. Budimir.
What to expect
Portugal are tipped to control more of the attacking momentum through their wide players and Bruno Fernandes’ creativity between the lines. Martinez’s side has greater depth and attacking variety, with Ronaldo continuing to offer a major penalty-box threat.
Croatia will likely rely on midfield control through Modric and Kovacic while trying to slow the rhythm of the match and keep the contest tight. Their experience in knockout football remains a major factor, but Portugal’s attacking quality gives them the edge.
Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Croatia.
