The Portugal national team faces Croatia in the World Cup round of 16. Cristiano Ronaldo has another chance to pursue the only title missing from his career.

What's at stake?

Portugal's best campaign with Cristiano Ronaldo was in 2006, when the team reached the semifinals in Germany.

Why does it matter for Portugal?

Since then, the number 7 has won the award for best player in the world five times and accumulated titles with clubs, but has not been able to take the Portuguese beyond that stage in the main football competition.

What comes next?

Cristiano Ronaldo enters the knockout stage with the opportunity to break a personal record at 41 years old. | Date | Opponent | Result | | --- | --- | --- | | 02/07/2026 | Croatia | - |

The team finished the group stage in second place in Group K and will face Croatia in the first elimination game. Midfielder Vitinha acknowledged the criticism, but asked for confidence from the fans. "I can ask that you support us, that you believe. We're the ones going onto the field, nobody wants to win more than us," he said.