Portugal will face Croatia in the World Cup 2026 last-32 knockout tie, with both sides reporting no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match. Head coach Roberto Martinez is expected to recall several first-choice players after rotating his squad during the group stage.
Portugal Team News and Predicted Lineup
Joao Neves is likely to return to the starting line-up after featuring in Portugal's opening two games and making a substitute appearance against Colombia. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the attack, having already scored two goals in the tournament. The veteran forward became the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup finals after finding the net earlier in the competition.
Bruno Fernandes is set to operate in the number 10 role behind Ronaldo, with Pedro Neto and Joao Felix providing support from the wide positions. In defence, Diogo Costa is likely to continue in goal behind a back four of Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga and Nuno Mendes. Vitinha should partner Joao Neves in central midfield.
Portugal predicted XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves; Neto, Fernandes, Felix; Ronaldo.
Croatia Team News and Predicted Lineup
Croatia also came through their final group-stage victory over Ghana without picking up any new injuries, although head coach Zlatko Dalic could make a small number of changes. Josko Gvardiol is expected to return at left-back after being left out of the starting side against Ghana, allowing Ivan Perisic to move back into a more advanced role on the left wing.
Captain Luka Modric is set to start alongside Mateo Kovacic in midfield, while Petar Sucic is favourite to complete the trio after scoring in the win over Ghana. Nikola Vlasic also enhanced his chances of a starting place after coming off the bench to score the late winner. Dominik Livakovic is expected to retain his place in goal, with Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracic and Gvardiol likely to form the defence. Martin Baturina and Ante Budimir are expected to join Perisic in Croatia's attack.
Croatia predicted XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Sucic, Modric, Kovacic; Baturina, Budimir, Perisic.
Match Details
The match takes place at 12am tonight, Friday, July 3, 2026, and will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer.
