Portugal vs Croatia Preview - prediction, team news, lineups | FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32

The Lusos will take on the Vatreni in the Round of 32

The stakes could not be more direct: the winner of this fixture advances to the Round of 16, and the loser goes home. Two European giants, Portugal and Croatia, will face each other, as only one side can make it into the next round of the FIFA World Cup.

Portugal reached the Round of 32 as the Group K runners-up; they were unbeaten in the group stage with one win and two draws.

Roberto Martinez’s Portugal are one of the favourites of this edition’s World Cup, but their performance has been awful. They were a bit lucky not to lose against Colombia in the group stage. The expectations and pressure is huge on Portugal, but they do have experience and quality to make it into the next stage.

On the other hand, Croatia suffered a defeat to the Three Lions in their group game but bounced back to beat Panama and Ghana and make it into the knockout stage. Zlatko Dalic’s side are well-versed in knockout football, and they will be confident going into this match. Croatia’s record against Portugal is not good enough, but despite all these, they will be very well prepared for the match. This will be a mouthwatering clash for sure.

Also Read: List of all nations eliminated from Round of 32 of FIFA World Cup 2026

Kick-Off:

• Location: Toronto, Canada
• Stadium: Toronto Stadium
• Date: Thursday, 2 July
• Kick-Off Time: 07:00 PM (EST) | 03/07/2026, 12:00 AM (GMT) | 03/07/2026, 04:30 AM (IST)
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In Use

Form

Portugal (in all competitions): D-W-D-W-W

Croatia (in all competitions): W-W-L-W-L

Players to Watch

Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)

Whenever Bruno is in the Portugal shirt, he is quite often criticised. Fans have high expectations of him to deliver and help his teammate, Ronaldo, win the World Cup.

He has been inconsistent in the group stages so far, but he has enough quality to make the difference and help his side go into the next rounds. Bruno’s performance against Croatia’s strong midfield could be key to Portugal securing their place in the next round.

Luka Modric (Croatia)

At 40, Modric is still leading his national team. He is not a burden on the team, as despite his age, he still performs like he used to in his prime. This will be his last World Cup for sure; previously, he helped his side finish second and third but failed to get the trophy.

He did well in the group stages and will be hungry to help his side do well against the current Nations League champions. Physically, he is no longer that strong, but technically, he is still among the best in the world.

Match Facts

• This will be the first time they face each other in the FIFA World Cup
• Portugal have lost just once against Croatia
• Their last meeting was back in 2024, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw

Portugal vs Croatia: Betting Tips & Odds

• Tip 1 – Portugal to win this fixture – 3/4 by bet365
• Tip 2 – Both teams to score
• Tip 3 – Goals scored over 1.5

Injury and Team News

Both sides will head into this game with a fully fit squad, and there are no injury or suspension concerns for either team.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 10

Portugal: 7

Croatia: 1

Draws: 2

Predicted Lineups

Portugal Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Costa (GK); Dalot, Dias, Inácio, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, Ronaldo, Rafael Leão.

Croatia Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Livaković (GK); Stanisic, Gvardiol, Šutalo, Erlic; Kovacic, Modric, Pasalic; Vlasic, Kramaric, Perisic.

Match Prediction

Two top European sides will clash in the Round of 32 fixture, and this will be an exciting fixture for sure. Two of the biggest football legends will clash in this fixture, and both sides will hope to make it into the next round. Overall, this will be a very intense game, but Portugal will most likely win.

Prediction: Portugal 4-2 Croatia

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv

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