Portugal face Croatia in the Football World Cup in 2026 Round of 32 on Thursday, July 2, at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, in what is one of the most compelling knockout ties of the tournament. It is the first ever World Cup meeting between these two nations, pitting Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal against Luka Modric’s Croatia in a clash that carries the weight of two legends playing at what is likely their final tournament.
In this blog, you will find kick-off times, live stream options, team news, squad lists, tactical analysis, and everything else you need ahead of Portugal vs Croatia at the Football World Cup in 2026.
Key Details
- Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 7:00 PM ET / 12:00 AM BST (July 3) / 4:30 AM IST (July 3) / 9:00 AM AEST (July 3)
- Venue: BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
- Where to Watch: Fox Sports (USA) | BBC One / BBC iPlayer (UK) | SBS (Australia) | Zee5 (India) | TSN / CTV (Canada)
Where to Watch Portugal vs. Croatia Football World Cup Match?
Portugal vs Croatia is available on Fox Sports in the USA, BBC One in the UK, SBS in Australia, Zee5 in India, and TSN and CTV in Canada. UK viewers have the choice of both BBC iPlayer and ITVX for streaming, with both offering free access.
Fox One in the USA allows streaming of every World Cup match for English language viewers, while Telemundo covers Spanish language broadcasts. UK fans need no paid subscription to watch through BBC iPlayer, making it one of the most accessible knockout matches of the tournament for a global audience.
Both BBC and ITV hold shared rights for all 104 matches in the UK, meaning coverage rotates between the two broadcasters. Check the BBC iPlayer schedule to confirm Portugal vs Croatia is listed under their allocation, or check ITVX as a free alternative stream.
How to Watch Portugal vs. Croatia with a VPN
If Portugal vs Croatia is unavailable in your region, a VPN gives you free access by connecting to the BBC iPlayer stream, which broadcasts the match at no cost.
BBC iPlayer is geoblocked to the UK. A VPN assigns you a British IP address, which unlocks the stream from anywhere in the world. PureVPN is a reliable option that works with iPlayer.
Follow these steps:
- Sign up for PureVPN and install the app on your device.
- Connect to a UK server to obtain a British IP address.
- Visit BBC iPlayer and sign in or create a free account.
- Search for Portugal vs Croatia and start streaming live.
Note: Check the terms and conditions of your streaming service. VPN use is subject to the rules of each platform and regional laws. PureVPN is intended for lawful recreational use.
Portugal vs. Croatia Football World Cup in 2026 Team News
Portugal Team News
Roberto Martinez has managed Portugal since 2023, taking over from Fernando Santos after Portugal’s quarter-final exit at Qatar 2022. The Belgian manager previously led Belgium for six years and brings a possession-based, technically driven philosophy to the Selecao. His tenure has delivered two major honors, including the UEFA Nations League title in 2025, adding to the one Portugal won in 2019.
Portugal entered the 2026 World Cup as reigning Nations League champions and arrived in North America as serious title contenders. Their group stage was mixed. The 5-0 win over Uzbekistan was the standout result, with Ronaldo scoring twice to become the first player to score at six different World Cups. The 1-1 draw with DR Congo and the goalless finish against Colombia raised questions about their ability to break down deep, organized defenses.
Captain Cristiano Ronaldo leads the line at 41 years old, in what is universally understood to be his final World Cup appearance. Bruno Fernandes has been in outstanding club form at Manchester United, helping them back into the UEFA Champions League. The midfield trio of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Bruno Fernandes gives Portugal a press-resistant, technically gifted engine, while Pedro Neto and Rafael Leao provide explosive width. Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos offer dynamic options from the bench.
Portugal reported no significant injury absentees heading into the Round of 32. Roberto Martinez has a fully loaded squad available, and the expectation is that Ronaldo will start up front with Leao and Neto flanking him. Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes may also feature in a more advanced role depending on the tactical setup Martinez deploys.
Croatia Team News
Zlatko Dalic has managed Croatia since October 2017 and is the most successful coach in the history of the national team. He led them to the 2018 World Cup final where they lost 4-2 to France, and then to a third-place finish at Qatar 2022. The 2026 tournament marks his third successive World Cup in charge, cementing his legacy as the architect of Croatia’s golden era.
Croatia qualified in dominant fashion for 2026, winning seven of eight UEFA qualifying matches with just one draw, topping their group ahead of Czechia. They conceded only four goals throughout the entire qualifying campaign and kept five clean sheets. However, the group stage in North America told a more complicated story. Back-to-back wins against Panama and Ghana looked impressive on paper, but a 4-2 defeat to England revealed defensive fragility when facing pace in behind.
Captain Luka Modric turned 40 during this tournament and brought up 200 senior international caps against Panama in the group stage. The AC Milan midfielder won the 2018 Ballon d’Or after guiding Croatia to the World Cup final and remains the heartbeat of Dalic’s system as a deep-lying playmaker. Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic, and Mario Pasalic bring vast experience alongside him in midfield. Josko Gvardiol returned from surgery on a fractured shin to start the group stage and has been confirmed fit. Andrej Kramaric is Croatia’s primary scoring threat, having finished as the top scorer in qualifying with six goals.
Portugal World Cup Squad
- Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva
- Defenders: Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Diogo Dalot, Nelson Semedo, Tomas Araujo, Renato Veiga
- Midfielders: Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes, Samu Costa, Bernardo Silva
- Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Francisco Trincao, Joao Felix, Goncalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceicao, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes
Croatia World Cup Squad
- Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Ivica Ivusic, Nediljko Labrovic
- Defenders: Josko Gvardiol, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongraci, Borna Sosa, Domagoj Vida, Martin Erlic, Dinamo Petkovic
- Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Petar Sucic, Luka Sucic, Milan Badelj
- Forwards: Andrej Kramaric, Ivan Perisic, Ante Budimir, Bruno Petkovic, Martin Baturina, Petar Musa
Portugal vs. Croatia Match Preview
Portugal and Croatia meet in Toronto on July 2 in the first ever World Cup knockout clash between these two nations. Both sides come in as Group runners-up, and both carry squad depth capable of reaching the later stages of this tournament.
Portugal’s path through the group stage was uneven. The 5-0 statement win over Uzbekistan showed the attacking firepower at Martinez’s disposal, but the bookending draws against DR Congo and Colombia demonstrated a recurring tendency to stall against low-block defenses. Ronaldo has two goals to his name in North America, which will elevate his focus and sharpness heading into the knockout rounds.
Croatia carry a mixed form picture. Their wins over Panama and Ghana were professional but unspectacular. The 4-2 loss to England was a concern, with Croatia’s defensive structure coming apart when facing direct, pacy forwards pressing in behind Gvardiol and Stanisic. Against a Portugal side with Leao, Neto, and Felix capable of explosive bursts of speed, that vulnerability could prove decisive.
Tactical Outlook
Portugal are expected to line up in their 4-3-3 system, with Vitinha and Joao Neves anchoring midfield and Bruno Fernandes operating in the number 10 or advanced role. Martinez will instruct his side to win the ball high and transition quickly through the wide channels, targeting the space behind Croatia’s fullbacks with Leao and Neto’s pace.
Croatia will look to channel everything through Modric’s rhythm in midfield. If Dalic’s side can slow Portugal’s pressing game and allow Modric and Kovacic to circulate possession, they become significantly harder to break down. Their knockout pedigree is unrivaled, with penalty shootout victories propelling them to the 2018 final and the 2022 semi-final.
The central battle of this tie will be Joao Neves and Vitinha against Modric and Kovacic. Portugal’s younger midfield duo will target disruption high up the pitch, while Croatia’s veteran pair will attempt to manage tempo and control the game’s rhythm. The side that wins this midfield duel will likely win the tie.
Portugal hold the edge in squad depth, attacking variety, and current form. Croatia’s tournament experience and ability to manage knockout games makes them dangerous opponents regardless of the form they carry into the match.
Football World Cup in 2026 Match Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 2, 2026 | Spain vs Austria | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles |
| July 2, 2026 | Portugal vs Croatia | BMO Field, Toronto |
| July 3, 2026 | Switzerland vs Algeria | BC Place, Vancouver |
| July 3, 2026 | Australia vs Egypt | AT&T Stadium, Arlington |
| July 3, 2026 | Argentina vs Cape Verde | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
| July 4, 2026 | Colombia vs Ghana | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City |
| July 5, 2026 | Round of 16 begins | Various venues |
2026 Football World Cup Preview
This year’s 2026 Football World Cup is shaping up to be the most ambitious and expansive edition of football’s grandest stage. The 23rd edition of the tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
For the first time ever, three nations are co-hosting the Football World Cup; a milestone that reflects both the scale of the event and the growing global footprint of the beautiful game.
2026 Football World Cup Format Explained: 48 Nations, 104 Matches
An expanded Football World Cup will feature 48 teams, 16 more than in Qatar 2022, and take place across three host nations for the first time. This expansion fundamentally changes the tournament’s structure.
The competition consists of 12 groups of four teams, with each team playing three matches in their respective groups. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams across the tournament advance to the knockout Round of 32.
With 32 teams advancing, the knockout stage now includes a Round of 32, a Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, meaning there will be 104 matches in total, 40 more than in Qatar. As a result, this Football World Cup lasts 39 days instead of the roughly 32 days of previous tournaments.
16 Host Cities Across 3 Nations in the 2026 Football World Cup
There are 16 host cities in total, with 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
The cities where games take place include Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; Monterrey, Mexico City, and Guadalajara in Mexico; and San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, and New York/New Jersey in the United States.
The opening match was especially historic. The tournament kicked off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico faced South Africa, making it one of the most iconic venues in Football World Cup history and the first stadium to host games at three different men’s Football World Cups.
The final is set for an equally iconic setting. The knockout stage will conclude with the final, to be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.
The Stars to Watch in the 2026 Football World Cup
The 2026 Football World Cup features a massive mix of established superstars and next-generation talent. Here are the names central to the tournament conversation:
Established Legends
- Lionel Messi — Argentina’s captain, widely expected to play his final Football World Cup
- Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal’s all-time icon, also likely bowing out on the biggest stage
Elite Europeans
- Kylian Mbappé — France’s generational superstar and title favourite
- Erling Haaland — Norway’s goal machine making his Football World Cup debut
- Jude Bellingham — England’s midfield engine and creative force
- Jamal Musiala — Germany’s technically gifted young star
- Lamine Yamal — Spain’s teenage sensation
- Harry Kane — England’s all-time top scorer hunting major honours
South American Powerhouses
- Vinícius Júnior — Brazil’s electric winger and Ballon d’Or contender
- Federico Valverde — Uruguay’s tireless and technically brilliant midfielder
North American Heroes
- Alphonso Davies — Canada’s captain and fan favourite on home soil
- Christian Pulisic — The face of US soccer playing in front of a home crowd
African Star
- Mohamed Salah — Egypt’s legendary forward bringing vast club experience to the global stage
For Messi and Ronaldo, this will likely be their final Football World Cups, giving the tournament an unmistakably emotional dimension as two of the greatest players in football history bow out on the grandest stage.
2026 Football World Cup Knockout Stage: The Road to the Final
The knockout stage of the 2026 Football World Cup is the second and final stage of the competition, played from June 28 to July 19, 2026. The top two teams from each of the twelve groups, along with the best eight third-place teams, have advanced to compete in a single-elimination tournament.
The 2026 World Cup is ready to enter its knockout stage. Here's how the tournament's next phase differs from the group stage. https://t.co/ZUtq2tVWQo
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) June 28, 2026
Football World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Schedule
| Round | Date | Match / Fixture |
|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | June 28 | Canada vs. South Africa |
| Round of 32 | Monday, June 29 | Brazil vs. Japan |
| Round of 32 | Monday, June 29 | Germany vs. Paraguay |
| Round of 32 | Monday, June 29 | Netherlands vs. Morocco |
| Round of 32 | Tuesday, June 30 | Ivory Coast vs. Norway |
| Round of 32 | Tuesday, June 30 | France vs. Sweden |
| Round of 32 | Tuesday, June 30 | Mexico vs. Ecuador |
| Round of 32 | Wednesday, July 1 | England vs. DR Congo |
| Round of 32 | Wednesday, July 1 | Belgium vs. Senegal |
| Round of 32 | Wednesday, July 1 | USA vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina |
| Round of 32 | Thursday, July 2 | Spain vs. Austria |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Portugal vs. Croatia |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Switzerland vs. Algeria |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Australia vs. Egypt |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Argentina vs. Cape Verde |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Colombia vs. Ghana |
⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Fixtures ⚽
— World of StatHistics (@Stat_Cult) June 28, 2026
🗓️ Sunday, June 28
🇿🇦 South Africa – Canada 🇨🇦 →
🏟️ Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi)
🗓️ Monday, June 29
🔥 🇧🇷 Brazil – Japan 🇯🇵 →
🏟️ Houston Stadium (NRG)
🇩🇪 Germany – Paraguay 🇵🇾 →
🏟️ Boston Stadium (Gillette)
🇳🇱 Netherlands –… pic.twitter.com/Upoc5irwla
2026 Football World Cup Host Stadiums
| Stadium Name | Host City | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Stadium | Toronto | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 45,000 |
| BC Place Vancouver | Vancouver | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | 54,000 |
| Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | Mexico City, Mexico | 83,000 |
| Estadio Guadalajara | Guadalajara | Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico | 48,000 |
| Estadio Monterrey | Monterrey | Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico | 53,500 |
| Atlanta Stadium | Atlanta | Atlanta, Georgia, USA | 75,000 |
| Boston Stadium | Boston | Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA | 65,000 |
| Dallas Stadium | Dallas | Arlington, Texas, USA | 94,000 |
| NRG Stadium | Houston | Houston, Texas, USA | 72,000 |
| Kansas City Stadium | Kansas City | Kansas City, Missouri, USA | 73,000 |
| Los Angeles Stadium | Los Angeles | Inglewood, California, USA | 70,000 |
| Miami Stadium | Miami | Miami Gardens, Florida, USA | 65,000 |
| MetLife Stadium | New York/New Jersey | East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA | 82,500 |
| Philadelphia Stadium | Philadelphia | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA | 69,000 |
| San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium) | San Francisco Bay Area | Santa Clara, California, USA | 71,000 |
| Seattle Stadium | Seattle | Seattle, Washington, USA | 69,000 |
Mexico has 3 stadiums like this and still got just 13 matches to host and USA is hosting 78 matches.
— Rahul Raj (@RahulRajVerse) June 28, 2026
Mexico is definitely Robbed😢😭 pic.twitter.com/HMyhQJ1Xhk
Prize Money and Commercial Scale of the 2026 Football World Cup
The prize money for this Football World Cup was confirmed at an official meeting in Doha. The prize fund is up 50 per cent on that of the 2022 Football World Cup in Qatar, and each team also receives $1.5m to cover preparation costs, meaning every team is guaranteed at least $10.5m.
The United States last hosted the men’s Football World Cup in 1994, and that tournament still holds the record as the most attended Football World Cup with 3.6 million fans. That record will certainly be shattered in 2026 with fans entering turnstiles in three countries.
2026 Football World Cup Official Broadcasters
| Country/Region | Broadcaster(s) |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | ATN |
| Albania | TV Klan |
| Algeria | ENTV |
| Andorra | RTVE, M6, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Angola | Z Sports |
| Argentina | Telefe, TV Pública, TyC Sports |
| Armenia | Fast Sports |
| Aruba | Telearuba |
| Australia | SBS |
| Austria | ORF, ServusTV, Magenta Sport |
| Azerbaijan | İTV |
| Bangladesh | TBA |
| Belize | Nexgen |
| Belgium | VRT, RTBF |
| Bolivia | Red Uno, Unitel, Entel, Tigo Sports |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Arena Sport |
| Brazil | Grupo Globo, CazéTV, SBT/N Sports |
| Brunei | TBA |
| Bulgaria | BNT |
| Cambodia | Hang Meas |
| Canada | Bell Media |
| Caribbean | Rush Sports |
| Chile | Chilevisión |
| China | CCTV, Migu, Xiaohongshu |
| Colombia | Caracol, RCN, Win Sports |
| Costa Rica | Teletica, Tigo Sports |
| Croatia | HRT |
| Curaçao | Nos Pais Television |
| Cyprus | Sigma TV |
| Czechia | ČT, TV Nova |
| Denmark | DR, TV2 |
| Dominican Republic | CDN 37, Pio Deportes |
| Ecuador | Teleamazonas |
| El Salvador | TCS, Tigo Sports |
| Estonia | TV3 Estonia, ERR |
| Ethiopia | Hagerie TV |
| Fiji | FBC |
| Finland | Yle, MTV3 |
| France (Metropolitan) | M6, beIN Sports |
| France (Ultramarine) | Antenne Réunion, La 1ère |
| Georgia | Setanta Sports, Rustavi 2 |
| Germany | ARD, ZDF, Magenta Sport |
| Ghana | ChannelOne TV |
| Greece | ERT |
| Guatemala | Albavisión, Tigo Sports |
| Haiti | TNH |
| Honduras | Televicentro, Tigo Sports |
| Hong Kong | PCCW |
| Hungary | MTVA |
| Iceland | RÚV |
| India | Unite8 Sports (Zee) |
| Indonesia | TVRI, FolaPlay, Telkomsel |
| Ireland | RTÉ |
| Israel | KAN, Charlton |
| Italy | RAI, DAZN |
| Ivory Coast | RTI, NCI |
| Jamaica | TVJ |
| Japan | NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV, DAZN |
| Kazakhstan | QAZTRK |
| Kenya | Azam TV |
| Kosovo | RTK, TV Vala, Arena Sport |
| Kyrgyzstan | KTRK, Beeline Ukmush TV |
| Laos | TBA |
| Latvia | TV3 Latvia |
| Liechtenstein | SRG SSR |
| Lithuania | TV3 Lithuania |
| Luxembourg | RTBF, M6, ARD, ZDF |
| Macau | TDM |
| Malawi | Azam TV |
| Malaysia | RTM, Unifi TV |
| Maldives | ICE Networks |
| Malta | Television Malta |
| Mauritius | MBC |
| Mexico | TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca |
| MENA | beIN Sports |
| Mongolia | EduTV, National Television, Suld TV, MNB, Mobihome VOO |
| Montenegro | RTCG, Arena Sport |
| Morocco | SNRT |
| Mozambique | Miramar, Z Sports |
| Myanmar | TBA |
| Nepal | Himalaya Sports, Dgo |
| Netherlands | NOS |
| New Zealand | TVNZ |
| Nicaragua | Grupo Ratensa, Tigo Sports |
| North Macedonia | Arena Sport |
| Norway | NRK, TV2 |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Tapmad |
| Panama | RPC/COS, TVN Media, Tigo Sports |
| Paraguay | Trece, GEN TV |
| Peru | América Televisión |
| Philippines | Aleph Arena, TAP DMV, Cignal PPV |
| Poland | TVP |
| Portugal | Sport TV, RTP, SIC, TVI, LiveModeTV |
| Romania | Antena |
| Russia | Match TV |
| Rwanda | Azam TV |
| Saint Lucia | Winners Sports TV |
| San Marino | RAI, DAZN |
| Senegal | RTS |
| Serbia | PTC, Arena Sport |
| Singapore | Mediacorp |
| Slovakia | RTVS, TV JOJ |
| Slovenia | RTV SLO, Arena Sport |
| South Africa | SABC, SportyTV |
| South America | DSports, Disney+ |
| South Korea | JTBC, KBS, NAVER Sports, CHZZK |
| Spain | RTVE, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Sri Lanka | TBA |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | New World TV, SuperSport |
| Suriname | STVS, ATV |
| Sweden | SVT, TV4 |
| Switzerland | SRG SSR |
| Taiwan | ELTA, EBC, TTV |
| Tajikistan | Varzish TV |
| Tanzania | Azam TV |
| Thailand | TBA |
| Timor-Leste | RTTL, ETO |
| Turkey | TRT |
| Turkmenistan | Quest Sports Media |
| Uganda | Azam TV |
| Ukraine | MEGOGO |
| United Kingdom | STV (Central & Northern Scotland), BBC, ITV |
| United States | Fox Sports (English), Telemundo (Spanish) |
| Uruguay | Canal 5, Antel TV |
| Uzbekistan | Zo’r TV |
| Vanuatu | VBTC |
| Venezuela | Televen |
| Vietnam | VTV |
| Zambia | Azam TV |
| Zimbabwe | Azam TV |
2026 Football World Cup: A Tournament for the Ages
This year’s 2026 Football World Cup is more than a football tournament; it is a cultural event spanning an entire continent. The tournament is expected to be the largest Football World Cup ever by both attendance and scale, and is also expected to expand the reach of football across North America.
With legendary players potentially playing their last Football World Cups, host nations hungry for glory, and a brand-new format delivering more football than ever before, the summer of 2026 promises to be utterly unforgettable for fans around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Portugal vs Croatia kicks off at 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. UK viewers can watch the match live at midnight BST on Friday, July 3.
This is a Round of 32 match. The winner will advance to face the winner of Spain vs Austria in the Round of 16.
Portugal finished second in Group K with five points, behind Colombia. Croatia finished second in Group L with six points, behind England. Both nations advanced as runners-up.
Cristiano Ronaldo captains Portugal at his sixth World Cup, making him the first player in history to appear at six editions of the tournament.
Luka Modric captains Croatia at his fifth World Cup. The 40-year-old AC Milan midfielder brought up 200 senior international caps against Panama in the group stage.
Using a VPN for personal streaming is legal in most countries. However, accessing a streaming service in a country you are not located in may breach that service’s terms and conditions. Always check local laws and platform policies before using a VPN to access geoblocked content.
