The World Cup 2026 round of 32 continues with a significant match-up between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium in Ontario, Canada. This fixture is part of a busy schedule that also includes Spain and Switzerland in knockout action across North America. The tournament has already seen various storylines unfold, from unexpected results and late comebacks to fan celebrations and off-field headlines.
The match between Portugal and Croatia is scheduled for 7pm/23:00 GMT. Ahead of the game, there has been considerable excitement in Toronto, particularly with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. Hundreds of fans gathered along highways, in downtown streets, and on vantage points, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Portugal captain. This enthusiasm was further amplified by a public holiday, drawing larger crowds in anticipation of what could be one of Ronaldo‘s final World Cup appearances. Ronaldo last visited Toronto in 2009 for a pre-season friendly with Real Madrid against Toronto FC at the same stadium.
Ticket prices for the match have seen a significant increase on resale platforms. According to price-tracking data, the average cost for the cheapest available ticket reached over $3,000 on Saturday. This surge in demand highlights the anticipation surrounding the encounter between these two prominent national teams.
Match Predictions and Historical Context
Historically, Portugal has maintained an advantage over Croatia in their previous encounters. Portugal has lost only one of their 10 meetings across all competitions and remains unbeaten in six competitive matches against Croatia, securing five wins and one draw. This record positions Portugal as the favourite to advance in the current fixture.
Pre-match simulations by the Opta supercomputer indicated a 54.5 percent chance for Portugal to win within 90 minutes, based on 25,000 simulations. Croatia‘s chances of victory were rated at 20.4 percent, while 25.1 percent of the simulations suggested a draw after normal time, potentially leading to extra time and penalties.
The match features prominent players like Luka Modric for Croatia and Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal. Modric made his debut for Croatia on 1 March 2006, in a 3-2 victory against Argentina, a game where Lionel Messi scored his first international goal. On the same evening, Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal‘s 3-0 win against Saudi Arabia. Both players, along with Messi, have been consistent presences at the highest level of football, with the trio being part of an elite group of four men who have accumulated at least 200 international caps.
Other World Cup Developments
In other World Cup news, Spain is also in action, facing Austria at Los Angeles Stadium. Spain enters this tie as a strong favourite, having not lost to Austria in their last five meetings, with the last two encounters resulting in four-goal victories for Spain. The Opta supercomputer gave Spain a 70.6 percent chance of winning within 90 minutes, with Austria‘s chances at 12.2 percent.
Switzerland will play Algeria at BC Place Vancouver. This marks their first competitive meeting, though Switzerland won both previous friendly matches against Algeria, with scores of 2-1 in 1983 and 2-0 three years later. The supercomputer predicted a 49.5 percent chance for Switzerland to win in normal time, while Algeria had a 23.9 percent chance.
Seven teams have already secured their places in the round of 16. These include Canada, who beat South Africa 1-0, and Brazil, who defeated Japan 2-1. Paraguay advanced after beating Germany on penalties following a 1-1 draw, and Morocco also progressed on penalties against the Netherlands after a 1-1 draw. Norway secured a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, while France beat Sweden 3-0. Mexico advanced by defeating Ecuador 2-0, and England overcame DR Congo with a 2-1 scoreline. The USA also progressed after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0.
England‘s advancement was notably dramatic, with Harry Kane scoring a late double to secure a 2-1 comeback victory against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta. This performance sparked celebrations among fans and players, who sang “Wonderwall” after the final whistle. Meanwhile, Iran‘s football team returned to Tehran to a warm welcome from hundreds of fans after their World Cup exit.
Tragically, four people died in Mexico City during celebrations following Mexico‘s win over Ecuador, which secured their place in the round of 16. Three victims were found near the Angel of Independence monument, and a fourth man later died in hospital after a medical emergency. Officials are investigating the causes of death.
In another match, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw described football as a “cruel game” after his team’s late collapse against Belgium. Senegal was leading 2-0 in the 85th minute, but Belgium scored twice late on and then won 3-2 in extra time, with a penalty sealing the comeback after a VAR review. Senegal‘s defender Krepin Diatta acknowledged that the team lost focus in the closing stages.
The match between Portugal and Croatia is set to be a significant event in the World Cup 2026 round of 32.
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Source: theguardian.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
