Portugal face Croatia in the World Cup round of 32 on Friday, July 3, 2026, with kick-off at midnight. Head coach Roberto Martinez has made changes to his starting XI, recalling several first-choice players for the knockout tie.
Portugal Team News
Bernardo Silva has been left out of the starting lineup for Portugal. Joao Neves returns to the midfield after featuring in Portugal's opening two games and making a substitute appearance against Colombia. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the attack, aiming to add to his two goals in the tournament. Ronaldo became the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup finals after finding the net earlier in the competition.
Bruno Fernandes operates in the number 10 role behind Ronaldo, with Pedro Neto and Rafa Leao providing width. The Portugal XI is: Costa; Dias, Veiga, Cancelo, Mendes; Fernandes, Neves, Vitinha; Ronaldo, Leao, Neto. Substitutes include Sa, Silva, Semedo, Araujo, Dalot, Inacio, Costa, Nunes, R. Neves, Ramos, Felix, Trincao, Guedes, and Conceicao.
Croatia Team News
Croatia came through their final group-stage victory over Ghana without any new injuries. Josko Gvardiol remains on the bench after being left out against Ghana, with Ivan Perisic deputising. Captain Luka Modric starts alongside Mateo Kovacic in midfield, while Petar Sucic completes the trio after scoring against Ghana. Nikola Vlasic gets the nod after scoring the late winner off the bench.
Luka Vuskovic, set to join Brighton for £50 million, is not expected to win back his place. The Croatia XI is: Livakovic; Stanisic, Pongracic, Sutalo; Kovacic, Modric, Vlasic, Baturina, Sucic; Budimir, Perisic. Substitutes include Pandur, Kotarski, Gvardiol, Caleta-Car, Jakic, Vuckovic, Erlic, Moro, Pasalic, Fruk, Kramaric, Matanovic, and Musa.
Match Details
The match will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer. Portugal aim to secure their place in the last 16, while Croatia look to continue their campaign.
