The match brought together two teams set up in a 4-2-3-1, led respectively by Roberto Martinez for Portugal and Zlatko Dalic for Croatia. It was played in front of a vibrant BMO Field, with a major objective on the horizon — qualification for the quarter-finals, marking a significant step toward the world title. Despite an even start, Portugal managed to prevail against a solid Croatia side that lacked decisive precision.

The match featured several important moments, including an early yellow card shown to Rúben Dias for a foul in the 17th minute. After the break, Ivan Perišić opened the scoring with an unstoppable strike in the 53rd minute, rewarding Croatia’s efforts. Portugal responded quickly through Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his eighth World Cup goal in the 68th minute to equalize and revive his team. The substitutions energized the exchanges, most notably the introduction of Gonçalo Ramos, who delivered the decisive goal in the 94th minute following an assist from Rafael Leão. Portugal thus confirmed their status as favorites after an efficient collective performance.

Statistically, Portugal dominated possession with 60% of the ball and had 15 shots to Croatia’s 13. The Portuguese were more accurate with their passing, completing 91%, and won nine corners compared with five. Defensively, goalkeeper Diogo Costa stood out with five major saves, helping his team to victory. Croatia, led by captain Luka Modrić, lacked efficiency in key moments despite a comparable shot volume.

Portugal solid around the Ronaldo-Leão duo and an organized defense

Roberto Martinez opted for a well-balanced 4-2-3-1, with Diogo Costa in goal and a back line made up of João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga and Nuno Mendes. In midfield, João Neves and Vitinha handled ball-winning duties, while Bruno Fernandes orchestrated play behind an attack led by Pedro Neto, Rafael Leão and Cristiano Ronaldo, the latter bringing the experience and sharpness of his 41 years. The decision to start Leão added attacking thrust to complement Ronaldo, and that was reflected in the final outcome. Gonçalo Ramos’s second-half introduction also influenced the game, with his goal delivering the late victory.

A combative Croatia fall short against Portugal’s solidity

Zlatko Dalic’s side lined up in their traditional 4-2-3-1 with Dominik Livaković in goal and a defense comprising Josip Stanišić, Josip Šutalo, Marin Pongračić and Ivan Perišić. The midfield was run by the experienced Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić, supported by Nikola Vlašić, Petar Sučić and Martin Baturina, with Ante Budimir leading the line. Despite Perišić’s opening goal, the Croatians were unable to hold on to their advantage and lacked attacking impact in the final minutes. The tactical changes, notably the introduction of Ante Budimir right after the restart and those of Mario Pašalić or Joško Gvardiol late in the match, were not enough to turn the situation around.

This elimination ends the World Cup run of Croatia, finalists in 2018, while Portugal continue their pursuit of the later stages of the tournament, driven by the determination of their senior players and a refreshed attack.

Portugal

Finished 2-1 BMO Field

Croatia

03/07/2026 00:00 Round of 32

Fil du match

17'Carton jaune - R. DiasPortugal, 17e
46'Remplacement - A. Budimir (remplace I. Matanovic)Croatie, 46e
53'But - I. PerisicCroatie, 53e
59'Carton jaune - L. ModricCroatie, 59e
61'VAR - C. RonaldoPortugal, 61e
62'Remplacement - Vitinha (remplace B. Silva)Portugal, 62e
63'Remplacement - P. Neto (remplace F. Conceicao)Portugal, 63e
63'Remplacement - B. Fernandes (remplace N. Semedo)Portugal, 63e
63'Remplacement - J. Cancelo (remplace G. Ramos)Portugal, 63e
68'But - C. RonaldoPortugal, 68e
68'Remplacement - M. Baturina (remplace M. Pasalic)Croatie, 68e
81'VAR - P. SucicCroatie, 81e
81'Remplacement - C. Ronaldo (remplace R. Neves)Portugal, 81e
90+2'Remplacement - N. Vlasic (remplace J. Gvardiol)Croatie, 90+2e
90+4'But - G. Ramos (passe R. Leao)Portugal, 90+4e
90+6'Remplacement - M. Kovacic (remplace A. Kramaric)Croatie, 90+6e
90+8'Carton jaune - I. PerisicCroatie, 90+8e
90+13'VAR - J. GvardiolCroatie, 90+13e

Les chiffres du match

Tirs cadres : Portugal 3 / Croatia 6
Tirs : Portugal 15 / Croatia 13
Possession : Portugal 60% / Croatia 40%
Corners : Portugal 9 / Croatia 5
Fautes : Portugal 6 / Croatia 12
Cartons jaunes : Portugal 1 / Croatia 2
Passes : Portugal 577 / Croatia 366
Precision des passes : Portugal 91% / Croatia 85%
xG : Portugal 2.18 / Croatia 1.32

Joueurs clés

Ivan Perišić (Croatia) : note 7.9, 1 but(s), 1 carton(s) jaune(s)
Gonçalo Ramos (Portugal) : note 7.9, 1 but(s)
Diogo Costa (Portugal) : note 7.7, 5 arret(s)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) : note 7.2, 1 but(s)
Rafael Leão (Portugal) : note 6.5, 1 passe(s) decisive(s)

Round of 32 schedule

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World Cup 2026: Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in round of 32 as Cristiano Ronaldo scores

Portugal solid around the Ronaldo-Leão duo and an organized defense

A combative Croatia fall short against Portugal’s solidity

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