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Portugal to Face Croatia in 2026 World Cup Knockout Stage; Ronaldo vs. Modric Showdown Looms

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Portugal will face Croatia in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup on July 3, 2026.
  • The match is anticipated as a potential final encounter between generational icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric.
  • Both teams qualified as runners-up in their respective groups, and this will be their first World Cup meeting.

Portugal is set to clash with Croatia in a highly anticipated Round of 32 match at the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for July 3, 2026, at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. This fixture is poised to be one of the most compelling duels of the knockout stage, potentially marking the final World Cup appearance for two of football's enduring legends: Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric.

Portugal advanced as the runner-up of Group K, while Croatia secured the second spot in Group L. This encounter will be the first time these two European powerhouses meet in the World Cup finals. Their history includes a 3-0 victory for Portugal in the Euro 1996 group stage and a dramatic 1-0 win for Portugal in extra time at Euro 2016, courtesy of a goal by Ricardo Quaresma. Their most recent meeting in the 2024 UEFA Nations League ended in a 1-1 draw.

The spotlight will undoubtedly be on Ronaldo and Modric, both making their sixth World Cup appearance, a remarkable feat. The former Real Madrid teammates, who shared six seasons and four Champions League titles, continue to be pivotal figures for their national teams despite being in their forties. Ronaldo has scored two goals in the group stage for Portugal, while Modric provided a crucial assist for Croatia's progression.

Portugal's coach, Roberto Martinez, acknowledges the significance of the veterans but emphasizes the team's overall strength. "Age is just a number. What matters is what they do on the field and the example they set for the team," Martinez was quoted as saying by ESPN. Portugal's squad boasts depth in midfield, with players like Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva, and is expected to dominate possession. Croatia, conversely, relies on its characteristic patient, disciplined, and effective play, honed over recent World Cup campaigns.

Age is just a number. What matters is what they do on the field and the example they set for the team.

— Roberto MartinezPortugal's coach Roberto Martinez on the importance of veteran players like Ronaldo and Modric.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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