Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 to reach World Cup Round of 16

Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 at Toronto Stadium to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, surviving late drama that included a disallowed equalizer and crowd disturbances during 19 minutes of stoppage time.

Perisic puts Croatia ahead

Portugal controlled possession throughout the first half without finding a breakthrough against Croatia's stubborn defense. Ivan Perisic broke the deadlock eight minutes after the interval, volleying home at the far post to put the 2018 finalists ahead.

Ronaldo and Ramos turn tide

Cristiano Ronaldo leveled from the penalty spot in the 68th minute to register his first World Cup knockout goal, cancelling out the deficit after an earlier strike had been ruled out for offside. Goncalo Ramos then emerged as the hero in the fourth minute of added time, rising above the defense to head Rafael Leao's delivery past the goalkeeper.

VAR denies late equalizer

Croatia believed they had salvaged extra time when Josko Gvardiol finished from Mario Pasalic's assist deep into added time, but a VAR review ruled Pasalic offside and denied the equalizer — sparking furious protests from players and causing fans to throw objects onto the pitch. Portugal now advance to face Spain in the Round of 16 while Croatia's tournament comes to an end.