Portugal and Croatia meet in a heavyweight World Cup round of 32 showdown this week. Roberto Martinez's much-fancied side have yet to set the tournament alight, with a 5-0 thumping of Uzbekistan sandwiched between draws with DR Congo and Colombia during the group phase.
Group Stage Performance and Bracket Implications
Finishing as runners-up in Group K means Portugal have been placed in the same bracket as Spain and could face the reigning European champions if both teams progress in their respective ties. Standing in their way is a Croatia side that bounced back in style after losing 4-2 to England in their opening game of World Cup 2026. Victories over Panama and Ghana saw the 2018 finalists reach the knockout phase once again, as the quest for a first star on the shirt begins in earnest.
Date, Kick-off Time and Venue
Portugal vs Croatia is scheduled for a 12am BST kick-off on Friday, July 3, 2026. The match will take place at the Toronto Stadium in Ontario, Canada.
Where to Watch Portugal vs Croatia for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 11.30pm BST on Thursday, July 2. Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via BBC iPlayer or the BBC website. Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport's live blog. Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA's official YouTube channel, along with BBC iPlayer / ITVX app and their websites.
Team News
Joao Neves is expected to return to the Portugal XI after being surprisingly dropped to the bench for the goalless draw against Colombia. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder should replace Ruben Neves in the engine room, joining club teammate Vitinha and Manchester United assist-machine Bruno Fernandes. Martinez does have a big decision to make on the flanks, as neither Pedro Neto nor Joao Felix impressed last time out, with Rafa Leao pushing to make his first start of the tournament. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the line as he looks to gain ground on Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane in the Golden Boot race.
As for Croatia, Luka Vuskovic may have to settle for a place on the bench once again as he closes in on a £50 million transfer from Tottenham to Brighton. Zlatko Dalic appears to have ditched the back-three formation following the loss to England, but Luka Modric remains the heartbeat of this team and is likely to be partnered in midfield by Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic.
Portugal Squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva. Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Nelson Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Tomas Araujo. Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva. Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos.
Croatia Squad
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur. Defenders: Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Martin Erlic, Luka Vuskovic. Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Luka Sucic, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakic, Petar Sucic, Nikola Moro, Toni Fruk. Forwards: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa, Igor Matanovic.
Prediction
This clash is a hard one to call. On paper, Portugal boast greater attacking depth, but Croatia have the better recent experience in World Cup knockouts, having been among the final four teams in the previous two editions. We can see both teams scoring and the showdown being settled by the finest of margins — a penalty shootout where Ronaldo and co. come out on top. Portugal to win on penalties.
Head to Head History
Portugal wins: 7, Croatia wins: 1, Draws: 2.
Match Odds
Portugal to progress: 1/3, Croatia to progress: 9/4. Odds via UK betting sites (subject to change).
