RismadarVoice Reporters
July 3, 2026
Portugal booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia, with Cristiano Ronaldo inspiring his side to a thrilling win in Toronto.
After a quiet first half ended goalless, Croatia broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute through veteran winger Ivan Perišić, putting the 2018 World Cup finalists on course for an upset.
Portugal responded shortly afterwards when they won a penalty following a corner kick. Ronaldo calmly converted from the spot to level the score, registering his first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage match.
As the contest appeared destined for extra time, Portugal struck a decisive blow deep into stoppage time. Gonçalo Ramos rose highest to head home the winner in the 94th minute, sending Portuguese supporters into celebration.
Croatia believed they had rescued the match late in added time when Joško Gvardiol found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, ending the Europeans’ hopes of extending the contest.
The defeat is widely expected to mark the final World Cup appearance of Croatian captain Luka Modrić, who turns 40 this year, while Ronaldo’s quest for another World Cup title continues.
Portugal will now face reigning European champions Spain in one of the tournament’s most anticipated Round of 16 fixtures on Monday in Dallas. The winner will progress to the quarter-finals, where either the United States or Belgium awaits.
Elsewhere in Thursday’s Round of 32 action, Spain comfortably defeated Austria 3-0 to secure their place in the next stage, while Switzerland claimed a historic 2-0 victory over Algeria, recording their first FIFA World Cup knockout win since 1938.
Attention now turns to defending champions Argentina, who face tournament surprise package Cape Verde in Miami.
Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina advanced from the group stage with a perfect record and enter the contest as overwhelming favourites. Cape Verde, ranked 64th in the FIFA rankings, reached the knockout stage without winning a group match, progressing after drawing all three of their fixtures.
Despite the gulf in rankings and experience, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has warned his players against complacency, insisting Cape Verde deserve respect after their impressive run to the knockout stage.
Should Argentina progress, they will face the winner of the Round of 32 encounter between Australia and Egypt in the quarter-finals.
