Portugal Hub
Portugal staged a comeback in injury time to reach the World Cup 2026 round of 16, beating Croatia 2‑1 at BMO Field in Toronto on Thursday (2). Gonçalo Ramos' decisive strike secured the spot against Spain in the next round.
How did the match unfold?
The Portuguese side started by dominating possession but struggled to create clear chances. Croatia opened the scoring at the 2nd minute of the second half with Marko Perišić, who finished after a cross from Milan Badelj. At minute 20, Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty after a foul on Renato Veiga, leveling the game. In stoppage time, Ramos received a pass from Bernardo Silva and struck firmly, sealing the comeback. Croatia saw a goal disallowed by VAR, preserving Portugal's lead.
Why does the win matter for Portugal?
The victory keeps Portugal unbeaten in its last five matches (3 W‑2 D‑0 L) and shows the squad's ability to react under pressure—crucial for progressing in a demanding tournament. Moreover, Ronaldo's performance and the promising debut of Ramos add depth to the attack, allowing manager Roberto Martínez to vary tactics without losing effectiveness.
What comes next?
Next, Portugal will face Spain on Monday (6) at 16:00 Brasília time, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The clash promises intensity, as both teams arrive with high‑quality performances. Meanwhile, Portugal's recent schedule includes: last result – Portugal 1‑1 Congo‑DR (2026‑06‑17); recent form – 3 W‑2 D‑0 L; next fixture – vs Wales (home, 2026‑09‑24).
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Last result | Portugal 1‑1 Congo‑DR (2026‑06‑17) |
| Recent form (last 5) | 3 W‑2 D‑0 L |
| Next match | Portugal vs Wales (home, 2026‑09‑24) |
The Portuguese squad returns to training in Lisbon, focusing on a compact defence and quick transitions—tactics that proved effective against Croatia. The upcoming showdown with Spain will be a decisive test of their ambition to chase the 2026 title.
