World Cup 2026: Portugal Beat Croatia 2-1 to Reach Last 16 -

Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia on Thursday to book a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, setting up a highly anticipated clash with European champions Spain.

The match, played in Toronto, produced late drama as Gonçalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time winner after Cristiano Ronaldo had earlier equalised from the penalty spot.

Croatia took the lead in the 53rd minute through veteran winger Ivan Perišić, putting Portugal under pressure. However, Ronaldo restored parity in the 68th minute by calmly converting a penalty, becoming the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match.

As the game appeared destined for extra time, Ramos rose highest to head home the winning goal deep into stoppage time, sending Portuguese players and supporters into celebration.

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Croatia thought they had forced extra time moments later when Joško Gvardiol found the back of the net. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, ending Croatia’s hopes of a comeback.

Following the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo paid tribute to his late Portugal teammate Diogo Jota by holding up a Portugal jersey bearing Jota’s number 21. Jota, the Liverpool forward, died in a car accident on July 3 last year.

Speaking after the match, Ronaldo described the victory as special, saying the team had reflected on the coincidence of the anniversary before kick-off and was delighted to secure qualification in such dramatic fashion.

Portugal will now face Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday in Dallas after the Spaniards cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Austria earlier on Thursday.

Spain advanced thanks to two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and another from Pedro Porro in a dominant display that highlighted their status as one of the tournament favourites.

The remaining Round of 32 fixture will see Algeria face Switzerland as the North African side attempts to keep Africa’s hopes alive in the competition after the exits of Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Senegal. Only Morocco have reached the last 16 so far.