Portugal meet Croatia in a blockbuster all-European showdown in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Portugal and Croatia finished runners-up in Groups K and L respectively to set up this blockbuster match between two teams eager to mount an outside challenge for the title.
Team News
Portugal have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 0-0 draw against Colombia.
Croatia too have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 2-1 victory over Ghana, in which Josko Gvardiol was tactically rested but is expected to start this game.
When is Kick-Off?
Portugal meet Croatia at BMO Field, Toronto, Canada, on Thursday 2 July at 7pm EDT (00:00am BST, Friday 3 July), live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Portugal’s first World Cup meeting against Croatia.
- Croatia are yet to beat Portugal in a competitive fixture in all competitions (D1, L5).
- Portugal kept clean sheets in two of their three group matches (W1, D2), except for their Group K opener in which they drew 1-1 against DR Congo.
- Croatia’s five goals in the Group Stage were all scored by five different goalscorers – Martin Baturina, Petar Musa, Ante Budimir, Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic.
Prediction
Considered as one of the fringe favourites for the title, Portugal haven’t exactly set the World Cup alight yet with two scrappy draws amidst a clinical win over an inferior Uzbekistan, so this is a proper test of their credentials but their end product ideally needs to be sharper.
Croatia likewise haven’t exactly shone much at this tournament and are considered lesser outsiders than Portugal for the title despite finishing third in 2022, but they at least scored in all three of their group matches which will give them confidence for this bogey test.
Given the performances of both teams, I honestly am not expecting much here so wouldn’t be surprised if this goes to penalties with Portugal scraping through.
Prediction: Portugal 1-1 Croatia (Portugal win on penalties)
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