Portugal reached the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coming from behind to beat Croatia 2-1, setting up an Iberian derby against Spain.
Croatia took the lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perišić, but Portugal responded with two late goals. Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after a VAR review, before substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed in Rafael Leão’s cross in the fourth minute of stoppage time to seal the comeback.
Croatia thought they had forced extra time when Joško Gvardiol scored moments later, but the goal was ruled out for offside after another VAR review.
Portugal dominated possession with 60 percent, registered 15 shots to Croatia’s 13, completed 91 percent of their passes and won nine corners to Croatia’s five. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa also made five crucial saves.
Ronaldo’s equaliser was another landmark in his remarkable career. The 41-year-old scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout match and became the oldest player to score in the knockout stage of the tournament.
Before kick-off, both teams observed a minute’s silence for former Portugal forward Diogo Jota, while Portugal’s players wore black armbands. After the final whistle, Ronaldo held up a shirt bearing Jota’s name and number in tribute to his late teammate.
“We know he is present with us,” Ronaldo said.
Asked about his international future, the Portugal captain said:
“I don’t make reckless decisions. I will decide after the tournament, not now.”
He also reflected on Portugal’s hard-fought victory.
“I expected it. As captain, I’ve been through moments like this before. I said that we have to know how to suffer. To win a tournament of this magnitude, you have to know how to suffer.”
Portugal will face Spain in the Round of 16 after the 2024 European champions beat Austria 3,0.
