Portugal edge Croatia to set up blockbuster Round of 16 clash with Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo kept Portugal’s FIFA 2026 World Cup dream alive as Roberto Martínez’s side came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 and book a blockbuster Round of 16 clash with European champions Spain.

Ronaldo scored his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match before substitute Gonçalo Ramos struck a dramatic 94th-minute winner to complete Portugal’s comeback in a pulsating Round of 32 encounter.

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Croatia thought they had forced extra time when Joško Gvardiol bundled home in the 113th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review, ending the 2018 finalists’ World Cup campaign.

Portugal dominated possession in the opening half but failed to convert their superiority into goals, while Croatia grew into the contest after the break.

The Croatians took the lead eight minutes into the second half when Ivan Perišić drilled a powerful finish into the corner after Rúben Dias could only partially clear a cross.

Croatia almost doubled their advantage moments later through substitute Igor Matanović, but the striker’s close-range finish was ruled out for offside after Nikola Vlašić was adjudged to have strayed beyond the last defender.

The breakthrough eventually came from the penalty spot after VAR spotted a foul on Renato Veiga during a corner. Ronaldo calmly converted the spot-kick to level the score, making history by netting his first goal in a World Cup knockout fixture.

Portugal will now face Spain in one of the standout Round of 16 fixtures at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Iberian rivals set to meet at Dallas Stadium, Texas, on 6 July for a place in the quarter-finals.