Portugal booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Croatia in Toronto, a Round of 32 tie defined by late twists and two VAR decisions that ultimately favoured Roberto Martinez’s side.
Ivan Perisic put Croatia ahead early in the second half, but Cristiano Ronaldo levelled from the penalty spot after a VAR review. Substitute Goncalo Ramos then headed in a late winner, before Croatia thought they had equalised at the death—only for another VAR check to chalk it off for offside in the build-up.
How Portugal vs Croatia unfolded in Toronto
The opening stages were cautious, but Croatia registered the first shot on target in the third minute when Perisic found a threatening run down the left, leading to a low cross that Ante Budimir failed to convert.
Portugal responded quickly with an early chance of their own. In the fifth minute, Rafael Leao delivered a cross that found Bruno Fernandes, whose effort was saved, with a follow-up attempt then blocked. Portugal continued to probe through set pieces and wide deliveries, but the finishing touch was missing. In the ninth minute, Pedro Neto sent in a cross that dropped near Ronaldo, yet the ball went untouched and out for a goal-kick.
Croatia had moments of threat without sustained pressure, while Portugal enjoyed more of the ball. A Ronaldo free-kick in the 13th minute hit the wall after Mateo Kovacic’s challenge conceded a foul in a dangerous area. Portugal also went close from a corner in the 17th minute, when Renato Veiga connected cleanly but sent his header over the bar. Ruben Dias was booked during the first half for a rash challenge, as the match remained tense and physical.
Portugal’s pressure brought a stream of corners—Bruno Fernandes repeatedly delivered into the box—but Croatia’s defence held firm. At the break, it remained 0-0, with the match report noting Portugal had opportunities but failed to convert, while Croatia were defensively satisfied but needed more in attack.
Croatia made a change at the start of the second half, replacing Ante Budimir with Igor Matanovic. The game opened up after the restart, with Kovacic driving forward and forcing a corner in the 49th minute after finding the side netting. Portugal also threatened, and at 58 minutes Leao struck the post on the counter as Portugal pushed for a breakthrough.
The deadlock finally broke in the 45th minute of the match timeline when Perisic scored for Croatia. Josip Stanisic’s cross from the right flank found Perisic unmarked in the box, and he finished to make it 1-0.
Portugal’s response was shaped by VAR. In the 62nd minute, Ronaldo thought he had scored, controlling and finishing well, but the offside flag went up and the VAR check confirmed he was marginally offside. Moments later, Portugal were awarded a penalty after another VAR intervention. Veiga went down in the box during a corner, the referee reviewed the incident on the pitch-side screen, and Portugal were given the spot-kick.
Ronaldo stepped up in the 67th minute and converted to make it 1-1, pulling Portugal back into the contest. The match then swung into a frantic final stretch. Croatia pushed hard, with Kovacic hitting the right post with a powerful strike in the 76th minute, and the live commentary describing a renewed belief in the Croatian side after the penalty decision.
Further drama followed as Croatia had a goal ruled out for offside in the 81st minute, with Petar Sucic’s effort chalked off after a VAR check. Shortly after, Ronaldo was substituted in the 83rd minute, replaced by Ruben Neves, with the commentary noting Ronaldo did not look pleased.
In the 89th minute, Mario Pasalic missed a major chance with a weak header wide from close range. Ten minutes of stoppage time were added, and Portugal found their decisive moment in the 90+4th minute when super-sub Goncalo Ramos headed in to put Portugal 2-1 up.
Croatia still had one last surge. Josko Gvardiol appeared to equalise on what was described as potentially the last kick of the game, but a VAR check followed. The goal was ultimately disallowed for offside in the build-up, leaving Croatia’s hopes dashed and confirming Portugal’s 2-1 win at full time.
Key moments that decided the Round of 32 tie
The match will be remembered for its late controversy and decisive interventions. Portugal’s equaliser came via a VAR-reviewed penalty, while Croatia saw two goals chalked off for offside—one in the 81st minute and another at the death after Gvardiol’s late strike.
Portugal, though made to work for it, advanced to the Round of 16 thanks to Ronaldo’s spot-kick and Ramos’ stoppage-time header, surviving a dramatic finish in Toronto.