Portugal have booked their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after edging past Croatia 2-1 in a nail biting Round of 32 clash in Toronto, a match that swung on a crucial penalty converted by Cristiano Ronaldo. On the same day, Spain cruised into the next round with a comfortable 3-0 win over Austria. The two European heavyweights will now meet each other in the Round of 16 on July 7.
A goalless first half gives way to late drama
Portugal's clash with Croatia was far from straightforward. Neither side managed to find the net in the first half, leaving the score locked at 0-0 at the break. Croatia broke the deadlock early in the second half when Perisic scored in the 53rd minute to put his side 1-0 ahead. Portugal responded almost immediately, winning a penalty in the 64th minute that Ronaldo calmly converted to level the score at 1-1. Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute, with Ruben Neves brought on in his place.
Stoppage time turns into a rollercoaster
After the regulation 90 minutes, the referee signalled 10 minutes of added time, but the drama on the pitch stretched that period all the way to 18 minutes. In the 90+4th minute of stoppage time, Rafael Leao's cross found Ramos, who headed the ball home to put Portugal 2-1 ahead, a goal that ultimately decided the contest.
Croatia's celebration cut short by VAR
With Portugal leading 2-1, Croatia kept pushing forward and appeared to have found an equaliser in the 90+15th minute, celebrating what they thought was a goal. That celebration proved premature. Portugal's players immediately appealed for offside, prompting the referee to consult the Video Assistant Referee. The review showed that a Croatian player was in an offside position when the pass was played, and the goal was ruled out. Play continued for another three minutes before the referee blew the final whistle, confirming Portugal's 2-1 victory.
Spain make light work of Austria
In the day's other Round of 32 fixture, Spain were in complete control against Austria from start to finish, running out 3-0 winners. Oyarzabal was the star for Spain, scoring twice in the 36th and 89th minutes. Pedro Porro added the third goal in the 66th minute. The one sided win sent Spain through to the Round of 16 without much resistance.
Portugal and Spain set for a blockbuster on July 7
With both sides through from the Round of 32, attention now turns to July 7, when Portugal and Spain will face off in the Round of 16. The match is scheduled for 12:30 am Indian Standard Time. Ronaldo's Portugal will look to carry their late comeback momentum forward, while Spain will aim to continue their attacking form and push into the quarterfinals.
