Portugal secured a 2-1 victory against Croatia in their Round of 32 match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto on July 3. Portugal held 60 percent possession to Croatia’s 40 percent. The opening half produced no goals despite Portugal’s pressure. Croatia took the lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perišić. Portugal responded with multiple substitutions and equalized from a 68th-minute penalty converted by Cristiano Ronaldo. Coach Roberto Martínez replaced Ronaldo in the 81st minute. In stoppage time Rafael Leão crossed for Goncalo Ramos to head Portugal ahead. Croatia appeared to level when Josko Gvardiol finished a late sequence, yet VAR ruled the goal offside after technology confirmed a touch by Igor Matanovic. FIFA later stated that sensors in the match ball verified the contact, validating the offside decision and confirming Portugal’s win.
