Portugal vs Croatia lineups: Predicted XIs, confirmed team news, injury latest for World Cup 2026 | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Luka Modric for a place in the last-16

Portugal have no fresh injury concerns ahead of their World Cup last-32 meeting with Croatia.

Head coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad throughout the opening three matches and is expected to recall several first-choice players for their first knockout tie.

Cristiano Ronaldo is also expected to lead the attack as he looks to add to the two goals he has already scored at the tournament. The veteran forward became the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup finals after finding the net earlier in the competition.

Cristiano Ronaldo in training

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In defence, Diogo Costa is likely to continue in goal behind a back four of Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga and Nuno Mendes. Vitinha should partner Joao Neves in central midfield as Portugal look to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Croatia also came through their final group-stage victory over Ghana without picking up any new injuries, although head coach Zlatko Dalic could make a small number of changes.

Josko Gvardiol is expected to return at left-back after being left out of the starting side against Ghana, allowing Ivan Perisic to move back into a more advanced role on the left wing.

Captain Luka Modric is set to start alongside Mateo Kovacic in midfield, while Petar Sucic is favourite to complete the trio after scoring in the win over Ghana. Nikola Vlasic also enhanced his chances of a starting place after coming off the bench to score the late winner.

Dominik Livakovic is expected to retain his place in goal, with Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracic and Gvardiol likely to form the defence. Martin Baturina and Ante Budimir are expected to join Perisic in Croatia's attack as they bid to reach the last eight.

Luka Vuskovic, set to join Brighton for £50million, is not expected to win back his place.

Portugal predicted XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves; Neto, Fernandes, Felix; Ronaldo

Time and date: 12am tonight, Friday, July 3, 2026

How to watch: BBC One and iPlayer