Round of 32
Portugal 2-1 Croatia
Croatia were winning 1-0 and were minutes from a historic win, but Portugal scored twice at the end, with a goal from Goncalo Ramos right before extra time, to win it 2-1 in Cristiano Ronaldo's likely last World Cup.
How the match went
This was a special night, because it may be the last World Cup for two of the greatest players ever, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric.
And for most of the game, it was Croatia, not Portugal, who looked like the winners.
The first half was tense, and neither team could score, so it was still 0-0 at half-time.
Then Croatia took the lead, when their winger Ivan Perisic scored in the 53rd minute to make it 1-0.
Portugal now had to attack and score, and Croatia were defending well and looking comfortable.
But Portugal kept pushing, and they won a penalty after a foul on Renato Veiga.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41 years old, scored the penalty in the 68th minute to make it 1-1.
It was tied 1-1, and it looked like the match was going to extra time.
But right at the end, Rafael Leao crossed the ball, and their striker Goncalo Ramos scored with a header in the 90+4 minute to win it 2-1.
The truth is Croatia were the better team for most of the game and were seconds from taking it to extra time, so Portugal were lucky to win so late.
On the other side, Croatia will feel very unlucky, and it's a sour end to a great tournament for them.
It's also very frustrating for what was likely Luka Modric's last World Cup.
Key moments
- ⚽ 53' Perišić (Croatia)
- ⚽ 68' Ronaldo (Portugal) (pen)
- ⚽ 90+4' Ramos (Portugal)
Goals in the order they were scored.
pen = penalty.
Match highlights
Watch on YouTube- Date
- Thursday, July 2
- Kickoff Time
- 19:00 (Toronto time)
- Stage
- Round of 32
- Stadium
- BMO Field, Toronto
What's next for Portugal?
Portugal are through to the round of 16, and Ronaldo's dream of the one big trophy he has never won is still alive.
Next they play Spain at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on July 6, 2026, and that is a huge game.
Spain are one of the best teams in the world, so this will be a very hard game.
But Portugal have just shown they can win right at the very end, and a team like that is dangerous.
That is the end of this World Cup for Croatia
Croatia are out of the World Cup, and this loss will be very painful for a long time.
They were winning 1-0 and were seconds away from extra time and a real chance to go through.
But one late Portugal goal ended their World Cup.
They can still be very proud, and this was likely the last World Cup for Luka Modric, one of the greatest players ever.
Common questions
Where and when was Portugal vs Croatia played?
The game was played on July 2, 2026 at BMO Field stadium in Toronto, Canada. It was a round of 32 knockout match at the 2026 World Cup.
What was the final score of Portugal vs Croatia?
Portugal won 2-1. Croatia were winning 1-0, but Portugal scored twice to win it, with the last goal right at the very end.
Who scored for Portugal against Croatia?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos scored. Ronaldo scored a penalty in the 68th minute for 1-1, and Ramos scored with a header in the 90+4 minute to win it 2-1.
Did Portugal deserve to beat Croatia?
Not really. Croatia were the better team for most of the game and were seconds from extra time. Portugal were a bit lucky to win with a goal right at the very end.