Portugal starting lineup vs Croatia confirmed as Cristiano Ronaldo named for FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match

Cristiano Ronaldo’s side will face a tough test in tonight’s Round of 32 match.

Portugal take on Croatia in an exciting Round of 32 fixture in the ongoing expanded 48-team World Cup at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, on July 2. The Selecao das Quinas failed to top their group after a couple of draws, but will look to redeem themselves against a tough Croatian side tonight.

Roberto Martinez’s side started their Group K campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo. Even though Joao Neves put them ahead early in the contest, Yoane Wissa’s goal before half-time meant that the points were shared.

The Selecao fought back in the next match, thrashing Uzbekistan 5-0. Cristiano Ronaldo opened his account with a brace. However, any morale boost from that result evaporated as the Portuguese were held to a goalless draw by Colombia, with the latter topping the group.

Entering as one of the dark horses in the tournament, Ronaldo and Co. will have to shoulder heavy expectations from fans when they take on a Croatian side that secured a podium finish in the last two editions.

Also Read: Portugal vs Croatia pitch & weather report

Let’s look at the Portugal confirmed lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Croatia:

Portugal (4-2-3-1): Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha; Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Cristiano Ronaldo (c).

Substitutes: Jose Sa (gk), Rui Silva (gk), Tomas Araujo, Francisco Conceicao, Diogo Dalot, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Felix, Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes, Goncalo Ramos, Samu Consta, Nelson Semedo, Bernardo Silva, Francisco Trinaco.

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Thoughts on the lineup

Martinez stuck with his strongest starting XI, with Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa starting between the sticks. Renato Veiga has played every minute of the campaign for his side and is paired in central defence with Ruben Dias. Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes start as full-backs.

After being dropped for the last game against Colombia, Joao Neves returns to midfield and is paired with his club teammate, Vitinha. Bruno Fernandes, who got an assist against Uzbekistan, starts in an advanced role.

Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto start on the wings, with the former replacing Joao Felix. The talismanic Cristiano Ronaldo starts as centre-forward. All eyes will be on the 40-year-old, who will seek to score his first-ever knockout goal in the World Cup.

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