List of all referees & officials for Portugal vs Croatia FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match

Norwegian referee Espen Eskas is approximately 3 years younger than Cristiano Ronaldo

Toronto Stadium in Canada is all set to host the Round of 32 fixture between Croatia and Portugal in what is set to be a thrilling contest, as a Round of 16 clash against Spain or Austria is at stake for both teams.

Portugal kick-started the campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo after Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa equalised just before the nick of half-time. The second game against Uzbekistan saw Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace propelling Portugal to a 5-0 win.

In a must-win game against South American giants Colombia, Roberto Martinez’s side failed to impress, settling for a goalless draw and a second-placed finish in Group K. Portugal will now have to take a tougher route to the finals, but difficult paths often lead to some of the most beautiful destinations.

The challenge ahead for Portugal is Croatia. The same team that is never a favourite at the start of the World Cup, but still manages to make it to the semi-finals with their sheer brilliance. After that 4-2 defeat against the Three Lions, many felt Croatia lacked the spark needed to advance further.

But back-to-back wins over Panama and Ghana saw them finish behind England in Group L. They are in sublime form, and they are not a side to be taken lightly. They pose a formidable challenge to Portugal’s Round of 16 hopes, and this game could also be the final World Cup game for either Luka Modric or Ronaldo.

In this article, we take a closer look at the list of referees for the Portugal vs Croatia Round of 32 match.

Also Read: Portugal vs Croatia pitch & weather report – Conditions revealed ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

List of Referees for the Portugal vs Croatia 2026 World Cup match

Norwegian referee Espen Eskås will officiate the high-stakes encounter in Canada. Eskas has so far officiated in one World Cup game previously between Cape Verde and Uruguay that ended in a 2-2 draw.

In that four-goal thriller, Eskas showed four yellow cards. He is a big-match referee and has previously hosted the 2024 Olympics bronze medal game between Egypt and Morocco.

Moreover, he has a lot of experience hosting knockout games that include the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup Final between France and Germany and the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Final, where England won 1-0 against Spain.

• Head Referee: Espen Eskås (Norway)
• Assistant Referee 1: Jan Erik Engan (Norway)
• Assistant Referee 2: Isaak Bashevkin (Norway)
• Fourth Official: Abongile Tom (South Africa)
• Reserve Assistant Referee: Zakhele Siwela (South Africa)
• Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Alejandro Hernández Hernández (Spain)
• Assistant Video Assistant Referee (AVAR): José Enrique Naranjo Pérez (Spain)

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