FIFA World Cup: Emotions will take centre stage when Portugal take on Croatia in a Round of 32 clash in the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Toronto Stadium on Friday, as two legends of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, could be representing their country on the global stage for the last time.
Portugal reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group K, drawing with Congo DR and Colombia, either side of a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. Croatia, runners-up at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, also progressed after recovering from an opening defeat against England to record Group L victories over Panama and Ghana.
The contest between two of Europe's leading football nations provides plenty of compelling subplots, not least a potential final meeting between two of the game's greats. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Croatia skipper Luka Modric spent six seasons together at Real Madrid, winning four UEFA Champions League titles, and both veterans remain central figures for their respective teams, with Ronaldo scoring twice against Uzbekistan and Modric marking his 201st game for Croatia with a vital assist against Ghana.
