The controversy rocking World Cup 2026

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has accused FIFA of failing to protect the game following the controversial Croatia-Portugal clash in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Portugal won 2-1, but the Croatians are furious over two refereeing decisions that went against them. Portugal’s last result was a 0-1 loss to Spain on July 6, 2026.

What happened in the game?

The biggest flashpoint was Joško Gvardiol’s disallowed goal in the 90+12th minute, which would have leveled the score. The assistant referee ruled it offside after Mario Pašalić was deemed to have touched the ball before the cross, a call the HNS calls unfair. The VAR protocol was also questioned.

The second controversy came when Renato Veiga was awarded a penalty after contact with a Croatian defender. Cristiano Ronaldo converted to make it 2-1 in the 90+13th minute, forcing extra time. Croatia failed to respond, and the HNS demanded access to the VAR’s internal communication-but FIFA has yet to reply.

Why is FIFA under fire?

Stipe Pletikosa, the HNS’s technical director, was scathing in an interview with Croatian broadcaster RTL. «For the first time, FIFA has stopped protecting football», he said. He criticized the organization for failing to act on clear refereeing errors, from hydration breaks to chip technology and the 18-minute halftime in the Croatia-England game.

Pletikosa didn’t hold back: «It surprises me that those working there don’t recognize the situations and protect the game». The HNS sees FIFA’s silence as a dangerous precedent for future tournaments.

What’s next for Portugal?

Portugal moves on after eliminating Croatia, but the controversy lingers. The team’s last win came against Switzerland on June 29, 2026, yet the loss to Spain exposed defensive flaws. The next fixture is at home against Wales on September 24, 2026.

The fallout from the Croatia game could weigh on the players, but Roberto Martínez’s side must focus on the next challenge. Recent form is patchy: two straight losses, sandwiched by a win and a draw. Fixing defensive errors in key moments is now the priority.