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Padraig Whelan·2 July 2026
FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Portugal v Croatia 🇵🇹🇭🇷

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Padraig Whelan·2 July 2026

The FIFA World Cup 26™ last 32 action has thrown up another all-European affair as Portugal meet Croatia on Thursday.
This is everything you need to know about this clash at Toronto Stadium.
More places in the last 16 are up for grabs in Canada as Portugal and Croatia clash after both advancing as group runners-up.
Roberto Martínez's side progressed as draws against Congo DR and Colombia bookended a thrashing of Uzbekistan, spearheaded by talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, who had an Attacking Score of 8.20 in the FIFA Power Rankings - powered by Aramco thanks to scoring a brace in the 5-0 win.
Meanwhile, Croatia rebounded from a 4-2 loss to England in their opener by defeating Panama and Ghana 1-0 and 2-1 respectively to book their place in the knockout stage.

Portugal, of course, aren't only about their captain and Bruno Fernandes' Creativity Score of 8.40 in the aforementioned Uzbekistan one was extremely impressive, earned thanks to an assist and continually progressive play.
Midfield colleague Vitinha completed 270 passes in the group stage which were the most of any Portuguese player in that phase of a World Cup™, while his 100% pass completion rate (54/54) against Colombia are the joint-most recorded by any midfielder in the competition without misplacing one.
For Croatia, the evergreen Luka Modrić (who had a Creativity Score of 7.11 in their most recent outing) is set for his 23rd FIFA World Cup™ appearance which will see him move level with Paolo Maldini for the fifth most in tournament history.
As a result of his crucial strike against Ghana, Petar Sučić topped all forwards with an Attacking Score of 8.25, with Nikola Vlašić just behind on 8.20 and both will play a big part behind Ante Budimir, who had an Attacking Score of 8.30 thanks to his vital winner against Panama.
An emotional tribute from the Portuguese players ahead of their training session for this contest.







































