Portugal will look to raise its performance levels when it takes on Croatia in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday. The Portuguese have won just one of their three group-stage matches, thrashing Uzbekistan 5-0 with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way. However, draws against DR……
Portugal will look to raise its performance levels when it takes on Croatia in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday.
The Portuguese have won just one of their three group-stage matches, thrashing Uzbekistan 5-0 with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way. However, draws against DR Congo and Colombia saw them finish second in Group K despite remaining unbeaten.
Finishing as runners-up has handed Portugal a far more difficult path in the knockout stage. Instead of facing Ghana, which will take on Colombia, Roberto Martínez’s side must overcome Croatia, runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and semifinalists in 2022.
Croatia arrives in the knockout stage with renewed confidence after recovering from an opening defeat to England by recording back-to-back victories. Zlatko Dalić’s experienced squad has once again demonstrated its resilience and ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Known for upsetting higher-ranked opponents over the past decade, Croatia will believe it can spring another surprise. However, Portugal remains the favourite to progress if it can rediscover the level expected of one of the tournament’s strongest sides.
Portugal vs. Croatia Score Prediction
Portugal Sneaks into Round of 16
Croatia has exceeded expectations at so many tournaments in recent times that seeing it conquer Portugal wouldn’t be overly shocking, but Dalić’s current crop does appear considerably weaker than past rosters.
Of course, tournament knowhow plays an enormous part in the knockout rounds of the World Cup, but Portugal is also vastly experienced on this stage and boasts a far superior squad to its fellow Europeans.
A dazzling array of midfield and attacking options makes the Seleção das Quinas clear favorites, even if they have yet to reach top gear this summer. Countless difference-makers reside within Roberto Martínez’s setup.
Thursday’s match will be fiercely competitive, with both teams playing their part in a hard-fought contest, but Portugal might shade the fine margins at BMO Field.
Portugal’s stellar record: A surprise defeat to Republic of Ireland is the only loss suffered by the current UEFA Nations League holders since March 2025. They have lost just once in their last 16 games across all competitions.
Head-to-head: These two countries have faced off regularly in recent years. They have shared the field seven times over the past decade, Portugal winning four of the match-ups and losing just once.
Croatia’s struggles against giants: Dalić’s men have been very efficient in battles with smaller nations recently, but they have been defeated in their last three games against sides in FIFA’s top 10 before the World Cup began. England, Belgium and Brazil have all conquered the Checkered Ones since the end of March.
Read Also: DR Congo Force Portugal To 1-1 Draw in W’Cup Opener
Portugal Predicted Lineup vs. Croatia
Martínez doesn’t have any fitness issues to contend with against Croatia and is only expected to make one alteration to the XI chosen for the draw with Colombia. João Neves will replace his namesake Rúben Neves in the heart of midfield.
Pedro Neto and João Félix appear to have nailed down the starting spots on the wings, flanking chief creator Bruno Fernandes. Ronaldo is the undisputed No. 9 tasked with adding to the brace he scored against Uzbekistan.
Renato Veiga is the preferred partner for Rúben Dias in the heart of defense, beating out competition from Tomás Araújo and Gonçalo Inácio.
Portugal predicted lineup vs. Croatia (4–2–3–1): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Neto, Fernandes, Félix; Ronaldo.
Croatia Predicted Lineup vs. Portugal
After an unsuccessful experiment with the 3-4-2-1 formation against England, Dalić has reverted to his preferred 4-2-3-1 for victories over Panama and Ghana. He should stick with the system against Portugal.
Joško Gvardiol will come back into the XI on Thursday and start at left back in place of Ivan Perišić, who will be moved into an advanced position on the left wing.
On the other flank, Petar Sučić should retain his place after an excellent strike against Ghana, but Nikola Vlašić might not be so fortunate despite netting the winner. Martin Baturina, who has impressed this summer, should move centrally to make room for Perišić out wide, replacing Vlašić in the process.
Croatia predicted lineup vs. Portugal (4-2-3-1): Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Pongračić, Gvardiol; Modrić, Kovačić; P. Sučić, Baturina, Perišić; Budimir.
Location: Toronto, Canada
Stadium: BMO Field
Date: Thursday, Friday, July 3
Kick-off Time: 12 a.m July 3
Referee: Espen Eskås (NOR)
Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Croatia