Portugal v Croatia: A Battle for Survival
Portugal face Croatia on Thursday for a place in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, with both teams seeking to avoid an early exit. Portugal have been underwhelming so far, drawing against the Democratic Republic of Congo and Colombia, and the presence of 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has weighed down the team. Roberto Martínez's side cannot take anything for granted against a Croatia team that, despite not being at their best, boast the experience of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovačić, as well as elite defenders Joško Gvardiol and Josip Stanišić.
The match kicks off at 7pm ET at Toronto Stadium. In the United States, it will be broadcast on FS1 and Telemundo, and streamed on Fubo. In Canada, TSN will carry the game, while BBC One will show it in the United Kingdom. Australia's SBS will also broadcast the match.
Spain v Austria: European Champions Under Scrutiny
Spain face Austria in Los Angeles at 3pm ET, needing to prove they are still among the frontrunners for the trophy. The European champions have yet to find top gear, with their press less intense and possession play not as slick as during their Euro 2024 triumph. Lamine Yamal is still searching for sharpness after an injury layoff, but he remains the key difference-maker for Spain in the final third.
Austria secured their place in the last 32 with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Algeria. Ralf Rangnick's side will attempt to press Spain and play a high-energy, high-risk game, which could make for an entertaining encounter. The match will be broadcast on Fox and Telemundo in the US, streamed on Fubo, and shown on TSN in Canada, BBC One in the UK, and SBS in Australia.
Switzerland v Algeria: Under-the-Radar Swiss Face Uneven Algerians
Switzerland, who finished top of Group B, have flown under the radar despite impressive wins over co-hosts Canada (2-1) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-1). Murat Yakin's team have shown balance and could make a deep run. Key player Johan Manzambi, who electrified the team after coming off the bench against Bosnia, is a must-watch talent.
Algeria have been uneven, but Ibrahim Maza has stood out in midfield, and former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez remains capable of a match-winning moment. The match kicks off at 11pm ET at BC Place Vancouver, with broadcast details identical to the Portugal-Croatia game: FS1 and Telemundo in the US, TSN in Canada, BBC One in the UK, and SBS in Australia.
