Concordia Chiajna Overview

Comprehensive match preview of Portugal vs Croatia at the World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news, and more ahead of this Round of 32 clash in Toronto.

When Portugal play Croatia on Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo will attempt to do something he's never managed before: score a goal in the knockout stage of the World Cup. The Portuguese is one of the finest forwards the game has ever seen and, against Uzbekistan last week, became the first man to score in six different editions of the game's most prestigious tournament, which is testament to his remarkable longevity and work ethic.

The 2026 World Cup is well underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long and winding road to be navigated as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.

Former striker Chris Sutton has strongly criticised Portugal manager Roberto Martinez ahead of their World Cup knockout match against Croatia, describing his continued reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo as completely embarrassing. Sutton believes Martinez is holding his talented squad back by pandering to Ronaldo and refusing to substitute him despite his declining impact on the pitch.