Portugal reaches World Cup 2026 round of 16

On July 2, 2026, the Portuguese side overcame Croatia 2‑1 in Toronto, securing a place in the round of 16. Gonçalo Ramos opened the scoring at the 48th minute of the second half, while Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty to equalise, marking his first knockout‑stage goal in a World Cup.

How did the match unfold?

Croatia took the lead through Andrej Perišić at the 12th minute of the second half. Portugal responded quickly; Rafael Leão delivered a left‑wing cross and Ramos headed it home, turning the tide. At the 30th minute of added time, Ronaldo scored from the spot after a foul in the box, but the referee later disallowed a second Croatian goal for offside. The encounter ended 2‑1, with the Portuguese celebrating at BMO Field.

Why does this result matter for Portugal?

Beyond securing a knockout berth, the win shows Roberto Martínez’s squad still possesses attacking firepower. Ramos’s goal, his first of the tournament, boosts confidence up front. Ronaldo’s penalty ends a long drought in elimination matches, a shift that could influence the team’s dynamics in upcoming games.

What’s next for Portugal?

The team will face Spain in the next round on July 9 in Dallas, 16:00 Brasília time. The clash with the Spaniards promises a European classic, and Martínez’s setup—using speedy wingers like Pedro Neto and Leão—will be tested again. Meanwhile, the tribute to Diogo Jota, who marked one year since his passing, remains an emotional touchstone for the squad.

Who stood out besides the scorers?

Rafael Leão was pivotal in creating the chance for Ramos, and Bruno Fernandes nearly scored, striking the first attempt against goalkeeper Livaković. Midfielder Ruben Neves tried to find the net at the 12th minute of added time, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Croatia’s defence, led by Luka Modrić, showed signs of fatigue, hinting at the end of an era that delivered the 2018 final.

The match, packed with drama in the closing minutes, reinforces Portugal’s credibility as a title contender. With the upcoming showdown against Spain, the Lusos aim to cement their path toward the quarter‑finals.