Portugal Defeats Croatia to Advance in 2026 FIFA World Cup

Croatia seemed poised to advance in the FIFA World Cup after scoring a dramatic goal to tie the game just before the end of stoppage time. However, a VAR review determined that Mario Pasalic was offside, allowing Portugal to advance instead.

Gonçalo Ramos scored a decisive goal for Portugal, heading the ball into the net in the 94th minute, leading to a 2-1 victory. This marked only the second time in Portuguese World Cup history that the team came from behind to win.

The match ended controversially, with Croatia contesting the VAR decision. They argued the ball never touched Igor Matanovic’s head, which led to Pasalic being offside. A new chip inside the ball provided evidence to support the referee’s decision, marking the 10th goal overruled by VAR in this World Cup.

Unfortunately for Croatia, their World Cup run concluded with this match. This tournament likely marked the last World Cup appearance for Croatian legend Luka Modrić, aged 40.

Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo also made history during the match by becoming the oldest player to participate in a World Cup knockout stage at 41 years and 147 days. He also became the oldest to score in such a stage with a penalty goal after a foul in Croatia’s box. Initially, Ronaldo’s goal was ruled offside, but he scored again to tie the match, leading to his signature “SIU!” celebration.

Ivan Perisic initially put Portugal under pressure by scoring the first goal, but Ronaldo’s equalizer revitalized the team. Modrić and Ronaldo, former teammates at Real Madrid, made history by playing in the same match as players aged 40 or older.

After the match, Ronaldo paid tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota, who had passed away, by wearing his jersey during a team photo. With this victory, Portugal advances to face Spain in the Round of 16. Spain recently triumphed over Austria with a score of 3-0.

Portugal will meet Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 6 at 3 p.m. ET.