Portugal Eliminates Croatia, Final Match Stats, Highlights & Updated World Cup 2026 Bracket

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Croatia on Thursday, keeping the veteran forward's World Cup run alive.

The win came in dramatic fashion as Portugal rallied late, while Croatia saw a potential go-ahead goal wiped out by a controversial offside call that nearly sent the match into extra time.

Ronaldo scored his first career knockout-stage goal in his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance, becoming the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match as he led Portugal to victory.

Updated Round of 32 World Cup Bracket

• Paraguay def. Germany, 1 (4)–1 (3)
• France def. Sweden, 3–0
• Canada def. South Africa, 1–0
• Morocco def. Netherlands, 1 (3)–1 (2)
• Portugal def. Croatia, 2-1
• Spain def. Austria, 3–0
• USA def. Bosnia-Herz., 2–0
• Belgium def. Senegal, 3–2
• Brazil def. Japan, 2–1
• Norway def. Ivory Coast, 2–1
• Mexico def. Ecuador, 2–0
• England def. DR Congo, 2–1
• Argentina vs. Cape Verde
• Australia vs. Egypt
• Switzerland vs. Algeria
• Colombia vs. Ghana

Updated Round of 16 World Cup Bracket

• Paraguay vs. France
• Canada vs. Morocco
• Spain vs. Portugal 
• USA vs. Belgium
• Brazil vs. Norway
• Mexico vs. England
• Winner of Argentina vs. Cape Verde vs. Winner of Australia vs. Egypt
• Winner of Switzerland vs. Algeria vs. Winner of Colombia vs. Ghana

Match Stats

	Shots	Shots on Goal	Corners	Fouls
Portugal	15	3	9	6
Croatia	13	6	5	12

In one of the most anticipated and evenly matched contests of the Round of 32, two of soccer's greatest veterans — Ronaldo and Luka Modric — squared off in what is expected to be the final World Cup appearance for both stars.

Croatia struck first in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perisic delivered a clinical finish to break the scoreless deadlock and give his side a 1-0 advantage.

Moments later, Croatia appeared to double its lead, but the celebration was short-lived as the goal was waved off for offside, keeping Portugal within striking distance.

Moments later, Ronaldo thought he had pulled Portugal level, but his goal was disallowed after an offside flag was raised by the slimmest of margins.

The 41-year-old captain responded just minutes later, burying the equalizer on a free kick in the 68th minute for his first goal of the knockout stage. Ronaldo's finish ignited Portugal's attack and brought the match level at 1-1, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Croatia thought it had reclaimed the lead with 10 minutes remaining in regulation when Luka Sucic finished a pass from Marin Pongracic to make it 2-1. But, Croatia's celebration was cut short as the goal was disallowed for offside.

The decision kept the score level at 1-1 and set up a tense finish as both sides searched for a late winner.

After Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute, the match appeared destined for extra time. Instead, Portugal delivered one final moment of brilliance in stoppage time. 

Rafael Leao sent a perfectly placed cross into the box, where Goncalo Ramos rose to head home the winner, giving Portugal its first lead of the match. The dramatic late strike gave Portugal a 2-1 lead.

Croatia appeared to have scored a nearly unbelievable goal in the 103rd minute, but the strike was ruled out on an extremely tight offside call. Portugal held on from there to seal the win and advance.

Portugal will face Spain in the Round of 16 on July 6 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.