Croatia -

One of Them Is Playing Their Last World Cup Game Tonight. Nobody Knows Which One.

July 2, 2026 by Hemim Sk

Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric both start as Portugal face Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 in Toronto. Confirmed lineups, how to watch free, tactical preview and why this match is unlike any other at the tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2026 | Round of 32 | Author: Hemim Sk | Toronto Stadium (BMO Field), Toronto, Canada
Portugal vs Croatia
Kick-off: 7:00 PM ET / 12:00 AM BST (July 3) | 9:00 AM AEST
Winner faces: Spain in the Round of 16, Monday July 6, Dallas

Kick-off 7:00 PM ET, Thursday July 2, 2026 at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field), Toronto, Canada.

There is a moment in every great footballer’s career where the countdown becomes impossible to ignore. You don’t always know which game is the last one. That’s what makes it unbearable to watch and impossible to look away from.

Tonight in Toronto, two of the greatest midfielders and biggest personalities in the history of the sport take the pitch in a World Cup knockout match with everything at stake. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41. Luka Modric, 40. Between them, over 700 international appearances. Between them, four Ballon d’Or awards. Between them, a Real Madrid career spent as teammates, rivals and mutual admirers.

One of them will not play in a World Cup again after tonight. The question — and it is entirely genuine — is which one.

Portugal: Confirmed Lineup, Confirmed Problems

Roberto Martinez has named his strongest available side for what represents Portugal’s most significant match of the tournament so far.

The names on the team sheet are breathtaking. The form that has produced those names is considerably more complicated.

Portugal won just one of three group stage matches — a 5-0 dismissal of Uzbekistan sandwiched between a draw against DR Congo and a stalemate with Colombia. Ronaldo, who arrived at this World Cup having scored 28 goals for Al-Nassr last season, has found the net twice — both against Uzbekistan. In the other two matches, he recorded zero goals, zero assists, and was caught offside 11 times combined, the highest tally of any player at this tournament.

Bernardo Silva, controversially dropped to the bench, used words this week that were carefully chosen but carried obvious weight when asked about his omission: “We are a group and we came for the same thing. The coach has a difficult job.” Between the lines: something isn’t quite right.

And yet — the talent is undeniable. Bruno Fernandes has been Portugal’s most consistently dangerous player. Rafael Leão offers the pace and directness to isolate any right-back in the tournament. Pedro Neto, on the opposite flank, gives Portugal a width that Croatia’s defensive structure will struggle to contain for 90 minutes. The attacking potential is there. It simply hasn’t clicked consistently enough.

Croatia: Confirmed Lineup, Brilliant Resilience

Zlatko Dalic has named a Croatia side built on exactly the experience and resilience you’d expect from a team that reached the World Cup final in 2018 and the semi-finals in 2022.

Modrić — confirmed as the oldest player to provide an assist in World Cup history, aged 40 years and 291 days, after his assist for Croatia’s winner against Ghana — is the architect of everything Croatia do. On his 200th international cap during the group stage, he became only the fourth player in football history to reach that landmark. The calendar doesn’t seem to apply to him.

Croatia’s tournament has been a very familiar tale. They were battered 4-2 by England in their opener, conceding twice to Harry Kane. Then, without fanfare, they simply won their next two matches — 1-0 against Panama, 2-1 against Ghana — and qualified. They have done this before. This is what Croatia do. They absorb early adversity and find a way through.

The concern heading into tonight is defensive. Šutalo and Pongračić at centre-back will face Leão and Neto’s pace — and Croatia’s backline, while organised, has already shown it can be penetrated by quality wide attacks when the press doesn’t work from the front.

The Record Ronaldo Hasn’t Broken — And Why Tonight Matters

Here is the extraordinary number that nobody talks about enough when it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup: he has never scored in a knockout match for Portugal.

Not once. Nine World Cup knockout appearances across five tournaments. Zero goals.

His 10 World Cup goals in total have all arrived in the group stage — including his famous hat-trick against Spain in 2018, all three group-stage goals in Qatar in 2022, and his two against Uzbekistan this year. The moment it becomes knockout football, Ronaldo’s World Cup record shows a blank where others might expect a filled space.

He is, by any measure, one of the greatest scorers in the history of the sport. 907 career goals. Records in every competition he has played in. But a World Cup knockout goal has eluded him across 25 appearances at the tournament. Tonight, against Croatia, is the next opportunity to change that.

Tactical Breakdown: Where This Match Will Be Won

The central battle is in midfield. Portugal’s press-resistant triangle of Neves, Vitinha and Fernandes against Modrić and Kovačić — between them over 300 international caps — is the contest that defines everything else.

If Portugal win that battle, Leão and Neto get the ball in space and Croatia’s backline will crack under sustained wide pressure. If Modrić and Kovačić dictate tempo, Croatia can build patiently and look for Budimir’s physicality as an outlet.

The wider context: Portugal’s depth off the bench is significant. João Félix, Bernardo Silva, Francisco Conceição and Diogo Jota are all available as impact substitutes — a collection of talent that no manager would complain about having available in extra time. Croatia’s bench is more limited in pure attacking quality.

The set-piece battle is also worth watching closely. Bruno Fernandes delivers corners and free-kicks with dangerous precision. Rúben Dias in the air at both ends is a considerable weapon. Croatia will need Livaković — the goalkeeper who saved two penalties against Brazil in 2022 — at his best if this goes to the wire.

How to Watch Portugal vs Croatia for Free

Region	Free Channel	Stream
🇬🇧 United Kingdom	BBC One	BBC iPlayer (free)
🇦🇺 Australia	SBS	SBS On Demand (free)
🇵🇹 Portugal	RTP1	RTP Play (free)
🇭🇷 Croatia	HRT1	HRT app
🇺🇸 USA	Fox / Telemundo	Fubo TV (trial)
🇮🇳 India	JioTV	Zee5

UK fans: BBC One is showing this match live and free. BBC iPlayer stream also available on all devices. Kick-off is midnight BST — worth staying up for. Australian fans: SBS On Demand streams every World Cup match completely free. This one kicks off at 9:00 AM AEST on Friday — breakfast viewing with genuine drama.

Our Prediction

Portugal carry more individual attacking quality and significantly better squad depth. Croatia carry the tournament experience, the Modrić factor, and the psychological resolve of a team that has been in two consecutive World Cup finals and semi-finals.

Expect Portugal to dominate possession and create the better chances, but don’t expect this to be easy until the second half. If Ronaldo finally ends his World Cup knockout drought tonight, Portugal win comfortably. If he doesn’t, this could go deep into extra time.

Portugal 2-1 Croatia — Bruno Fernandes with the decisive contribution, and Ronaldo finally writing his name in a World Cup knockout match.

But watch Modrić. He has ended World Cup campaigns for better teams than Portugal before.

Need To Know

Q: Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing tonight?
A: Yes — Ronaldo is confirmed in Portugal’s starting XI against Croatia.

Q: Is Luka Modric playing tonight?
A: Yes — Modric captains Croatia from central midfield.

Q: What time is Portugal vs Croatia?
A: Kick-off is 7:00 PM ET on Thursday July 2 / midnight BST / 9:00 AM AEST Friday July 3.

Q: Where is Portugal vs Croatia being played?
A: Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) in Toronto, Canada — the last World Cup 2026 match to be played in Toronto.

Q: Has Cristiano Ronaldo ever scored in a World Cup knockout match?
A: No — in nine previous World Cup knockout appearances, Ronaldo has never scored. All 10 of his World Cup goals have come in the group stage.

Q: Who wins the Portugal vs Croatia match goes on to face?
A: Spain in the Round of 16, on Monday July 6 in Dallas.

Q: What is Luka Modric’s World Cup record?
A: He led Croatia to the final in 2018 and the semi-finals in 2022. He has appeared at four World Cups and recently became the oldest player to provide an assist in World Cup history at 40 years old.

Q: Is this free to watch in the UK?
A: Yes — live and free on BBC One, with simultaneous streaming on BBC iPlayer.

Twice Level, Never Behind: England Survive Croatia’s Comeback Punches to Open World Cup 2026 in Style

June 17, 2026 by Hemim Sk

England beat Croatia 4-2 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L opener in Dallas. Harry Kane’s brace, Jude Bellingham’s solo strike and Marcus Rashford’s late finish secured the win. Full match report, stats and reaction

This was meant to be a routine start. It became one of the wildest opening matches of the entire tournament.

England led twice in the first half. Croatia hauled themselves level twice. By the time the half-time whistle blew at Dallas Stadium, the scoreboard read 2-2, and Thomas Tuchel — making his FIFA World Cup managerial debut — had every reason to look uneasy on the touchline. What followed was a calm, ruthless second-half response that buried any lingering nerves. England 4–2 Croatia. Three points, message sent.

A Penalty, A Retake, and the Perfect Start

England were given the ideal opening when referee Clément Turpin pointed to the spot in the 12th minute after Luka Modrić fouled Noni Madueke inside the box. Harry Kane stepped up — and saw his initial effort saved by Dominik Livaković. But the Croatian goalkeeper had strayed off his line a fraction too early, and the retake was ordered.

This time, Kane made no mistake. England 1–0 Croatia, and the captain’s record-breaking 2026 already underway.

For a spell after that, England controlled proceedings without ever truly threatening to add a second. Croatia, patient and experienced through Modrić’s 199th international appearance, waited for their opening.

Baturina’s Thunderbolt Levels It (36′)

It arrived emphatically. Martin Baturina, given a fraction of space 20 yards from goal, struck a ferocious effort that flew beyond Jordan Pickford and into the top corner. There was no saving that one. England 1–1 Croatia, and suddenly Dallas Stadium had a genuine contest on its hands.

Kane’s Second Restores the Lead (42′)

England responded almost immediately through their captain again. Declan Rice’s corner was met with a thumping downward header from Kane, restoring the lead just before the interval and giving the Three Lions what looked like a crucial cushion heading into the break.

It wasn’t enough.

Musa’s Stoppage-Time Sting (45+5′)

Deep into first-half injury time, Croatia struck again. Petar Musa found space in behind England’s backline and finished with composure to make it 2-2, sending the sides in level at the break after a genuinely breathless 45 minutes. Tuchel’s first half-time team talk as England’s World Cup manager would need to count.

Portugal vs DR Congo Result: Portugal 1-1 DR Congo — The Ronaldo Paradox Nobody Can Quite Explain

The Second Half: England Find Their Rhythm

Whatever was said in that dressing room worked instantly.

Bellingham’s Moment (47′)

Just two minutes after the restart, Jude Bellingham — under scrutiny coming into the tournament over his club-versus-country form gap — answered every question in the most emphatic way possible. Latching onto a superb pass from Elliot Anderson, he drove forward into the penalty area and finished with the kind of composure that immediately silenced any doubts. England 3-2 Croatia.

It was the kind of goal that doesn’t just shift a scoreline — it shifts momentum entirely. England controlled the rest of the half from there, peppering Livaković’s goal even as the Croatian goalkeeper produced several outstanding saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

Rashford Seals It (85′)

The result was put beyond any remaining doubt in the 85th minute. Bukayo Saka, introduced from the bench, spotted Marcus Rashford in space on the left and delivered a pinpoint pass. Rashford didn’t panic — he shifted his marker with a sharp feint before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner. It was Rashford’s first World Cup goal, and a hugely significant one for a player who has waited a long time for this stage.

England 4–2 Croatia. Full time.

Match Stats

	England 🏴	Croatia 🇭🇷
Goals	4 (Kane x2, Bellingham, Rashford)	2 (Baturina, Musa)
Shots	20	11
Shots on Target	12	6
Possession	54%	46%
Passes	476	431
Pass Accuracy	88%	87%
Fouls	10	11

England’s attacking output — 20 shots, 12 on target — reflected total second-half dominance, even if Croatia’s resilience in the first 45 made this anything but a comfortable afternoon.

Player of the Match: Harry Kane 🏴

Two goals in his opening World Cup match of 2026, and a record already in his pocket — Kane is now England’s all-time leading goalscorer with 78 international goals, having surpassed Wayne Rooney. He arrives at this tournament in arguably the best form of his career and now sits among the favourites to chase down Gary Lineker’s England-held World Cup Golden Boot record.

Group L Standings After Matchday 1

	Team	P	Pts	GD
1	England 🏴	1	3	+2
2	Ghana 🇬🇭	0	—	—
3	Panama 🇵🇦	0	—	—
4	Croatia 🇭🇷	1	0	-2

The Verdict

This was exactly the kind of match a major tournament opener should be — high quality, genuinely uncertain for long stretches, and ultimately settled by the side with the deeper bench and the sharper finishing touch. Croatia, even with Modrić turning back the clock at 41, simply couldn’t match England’s firepower over 90 minutes.

For Tuchel, his first competitive game in charge brought both reassurance and a clear warning. The attacking talent is undeniable. But conceding twice against a Croatia side without their full attacking strength suggests defensive issues that England’s manager will need to address before facing Ghana on Tuesday — a Black Stars side built on pace and direct running that could exploit similar gaps.

For Croatia, the inquest begins immediately. They now turn to a daunting clash with Panama in Toronto, knowing anything less than a win could end their tournament before it has properly begun.

Next up: England vs Ghana (June 23, Boston) | Croatia vs Panama (June 22, Toronto)

Match played June 17, 2026 at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), Arlington, Texas.

Croatia World Cup 2026 Squad: Modric’s Fifth World Cup, Full Official Player List and Group L Preview

May 19, 2026 by Hemim Sk

Luka Modrić is going to a fifth World Cup. At 40 years old — playing for AC Milan after leaving Real Madrid — the Ballon d’Or winner and greatest Croatian footballer of all time has been officially confirmed in Croatia’s World Cup 2026 squad by coach Zlatko Dalić. He is aiming for his 200th career cap for Croatia at this tournament.
The Vatreni have always performed beyond expectations at World Cups. 2018 World Cup final. 2022 semi-finals. Now in North America, Croatia arrive once again as the ultimate overachievers — a nation of under 4 million people consistently reaching the final stages of football’s biggest tournament through sheer tactical discipline, fighting spirit and the genius of one man.
This is Croatia’s official World Cup 2026 squad — every player confirmed, two injury concerns monitored and one extraordinary teenage talent making history.

Croatia World Cup 2026 Squad — Key Facts

Group: L Opponents: England (June 17), Panama (June 23), Ghana (June 27) First match: June 17, AT&T Stadium, Dallas — vs England Coach: Zlatko Dalić Squad announced: May 18, 2026 World Cup best: Runners-up 2018, Third place 2022 Also in group: England, Panama, Ghana

The Official Croatia World Cup 2026 Squad

Goalkeepers
Dominik Livaković (Dinamo Zagreb)
Dominik Kotarski (FC København)
Ivor Pandur (Hull City)

Defenders
Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City)
Duje Ćaleta-Car (Real Sociedad)
Josip Šutalo (Ajax)
Josip Stanišić (Bayern Munich)
Marin Pongračić (AC Milan)
Martin Erlić
Luka Vušković (Hamburger SV / owned by Tottenham)

Midfielders
Luka Modrić (AC Milan)
Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City)
Mario Pašalić
Nikola Vlašić
Luka Sučić
Martin Baturina
Kristijan Jakić
Petar Sučić
Nikola Moro
Toni Fruk

Attackers
Ivan Perišić
Andrej Kramarić
Ante Budimir
Marco Pašalić (Orlando City)
Petar Musa (FC Dallas)
Igor Matanović

Luka Modrić — The Legend Playing His Fifth World Cup

Luka Modrić was included in Croatia’s squad and is set to play in his fifth World Cup. At 40 years old this is the greatest midfielder of his generation arriving at one final chapter on football’s biggest stage.
Modrić won the Ballon d’Or in 2018 — the year he led Croatia to the World Cup final against France — ending the decade-long Messi-Ronaldo stranglehold on the award. He has won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid. He has played over 170 times for Croatia. He is their all-time greatest player.
Now at AC Milan after leaving Real Madrid, Modrić brings something no younger player can replicate — the ability to control a match through pure football intelligence rather than physical dominance. His passing, his positioning, his reading of the game remain elite even at 40. Croatia without Modrić controlling the midfield is a different, lesser team.
His opening match? England at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on June 17 — a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final where Croatia broke English hearts. For every England fan this match carries enormous emotional weight. For Modrić it is simply another stage to perform on.

Two Critical Injury Concerns

Croatia will closely monitor the physical condition of two crucial players: Mateo Kovačić and Joško Gvardiol. The Manchester City midfielder missed most of the season due to Achilles tendon problems, while Gvardiol recently recovered from a fractured tibia that seriously threatened his participation at the World Cup.
Mateo Kovačić — if fit, Kovačić is Croatia’s second most important player after Modrić. His energy, pressing and ability to cover ground give Croatia a dynamic quality alongside the veteran captain. An Achilles injury that kept him out for most of the season is the major concern. His availability from minute one against England on June 17 is uncertain.
Joško Gvardiol — the Manchester City left-back who has become one of the best defenders in world football. Marin Pongračić recently recovered from a facial fracture and will follow a special preparation plan created between AC Milan and Croatia’s medical staff to arrive at the tournament in peak condition. Gvardiol’s pace, attacking ability and defensive quality make him irreplaceable in Croatia’s system when fit.
Both players are expected to be available for the tournament — but Dalić will manage their minutes carefully in the group stage to ensure they are at full capacity for the knockout rounds.

The Youngest Star — Luka Vušković

One of the biggest surprises in the squad is the inclusion of defender Luka Vušković, born in 2007 and considered one of the brightest young talents in European football. The Hamburger SV centre-back, currently owned by Tottenham, has only four senior international appearances, but Zlatko Dalić decided to include him directly in the final squad, making him one of the youngest players at the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Vušković is 18 years old. He represents the future of Croatian football — the next generation arriving just as Modrić’s era closes. His inclusion signals Dalić’s confidence in youth while maintaining the experienced core that has delivered consecutive World Cup success.

Key Player Analysis

Dominik Livaković — Croatia’s undisputed number one and one of the tournament’s best goalkeepers. His penalty-saving heroics against Brazil in the 2022 quarter-finals — stopping three spot kicks — made him a household name worldwide. Against England on June 17 his ability to make crucial saves in tight moments will be tested immediately.

Ivan Perišić — Ivan Perišić has scored in the past three consecutive World Cup tournaments — one of the most remarkable individual World Cup records at this tournament. The veteran attacker provides Croatia with experience, aerial ability and crucial goal threat from wide positions. He has scored in 2014, 2018 and 2022 — he will be desperate to continue that streak in 2026.

Andrej Kramarić — Croatia’s most reliable goal scorer and the player who consistently delivers in the big moments. His movement, hold-up play and clinical finishing in the penalty area make him Croatia’s primary attacking threat through the centre.

Martin Baturina — the young creative midfielder who has been one of the most impressive young players in European football this season. His technical quality, vision and ability to play incisive passes in tight spaces make him Croatia’s most exciting creative talent for the future alongside Vušković.

MLS Representation — Petar Musa and Marco Pašalić — FC Dallas striker Petar Musa and Orlando City winger Marco Pašalić have made Croatia’s final 26-man roster — representing the growing quality of MLS-based players at this World Cup.

Group L Analysis — Can Croatia Reach the Knockouts?

Croatia are in Group L with England, Panama and Ghana.
England (June 17, AT&T Stadium, Dallas) — The opening match and the defining fixture of Group L. England broke Croatia’s hearts at Euro 2020 beating them 1-0 at Wembley. Croatia broke England’s hearts at the 2018 World Cup semi-final. This is a deeply personal rivalry with enormous pride on both sides. England are favourites with Kane, Bellingham and Saka — but Croatia under Modrić never lose without a fight.

Panama (June 23, BMO Field, Toronto) — Croatia’s most winnable group match. Panama are competitive but lack the individual quality to trouble Croatia’s experienced squad. Three points is the realistic expectation.

Ghana (June 27, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia) — Ghana have Kudus and Semenyo providing genuine attacking quality. A competitive match but Croatia should have enough to qualify.
Honest verdict: Croatia should qualify from Group L — likely in second place behind England. In the knockout rounds they become a completely different team and cannot be underestimated by anyone.

Croatia’s World Cup Legacy — Always Overachieving

Croatia will share a group with England, Panama and Ghana, opening their World Cup campaign on June 17 against England in one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.
Croatia’s World Cup record is staggering for a nation their size. Third place in 1998 on debut. Final in 2018. Semi-finals in 2022. Three consecutive knockout runs that any major football nation would envy.
The secret has always been the same — tactical discipline, collective spirit and Modrić controlling the game. At 40 years old Modrić’s final World Cup campaign gives this squad something priceless: the motivation of playing for their greatest legend one last time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Croatia

What is Croatia’s official World Cup 2026 squad?
Zlatko Dalić announced Croatia’s official 26-man squad on May 18. Goalkeepers: Livaković, Kotarski, Pandur. Defenders: Gvardiol, Ćaleta-Car, Šutalo, Stanišić, Pongračić, Erlić, Vušković. Midfielders: Modrić, Kovačić, M. Pašalić, Vlašić, L. Sučić, Baturina, Jakić, P. Sučić, Moro, Fruk. Attackers: Perišić, Kramarić, Budimir, Marco Pašalić, Musa, Matanović.

Is Luka Modrić playing at World Cup 2026?
Yes. Luka Modrić has been confirmed in Croatia’s World Cup 2026 squad. At 40 years old this is his fifth World Cup — he plays for AC Milan after leaving Real Madrid and is aiming for his 200th cap for Croatia at this tournament. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2018 when Croatia reached the World Cup final.

What group are Croatia in at World Cup 2026?
Croatia are in Group L alongside England, Panama and Ghana. They open against England on June 17 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas — a rematch of their 2018 World Cup semi-final. They then face Panama on June 23 and Ghana on June 27.

Are Kovačić and Gvardiol fit for World Cup 2026?
Both players have injury concerns. Mateo Kovačić missed most of Manchester City’s season with Achilles tendon problems. Joško Gvardiol recently recovered from a fractured tibia. Both are expected to be available for the tournament but Dalić will manage their fitness carefully through the group stage.

Who is the youngest player in Croatia’s World Cup 2026 squad?
Luka Vušković — born in 2007 and owned by Tottenham Hotspur — is one of the youngest players at the entire 2026 World Cup. The Hamburger SV centre-back has only four senior international appearances but impressed Dalić enough to earn direct inclusion in the final squad.

When does Croatia play England at World Cup 2026?
Croatia vs England is scheduled for June 17, 2026 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas at 9:00 PM ET — 4:00 AM Doha time on June 18. This is a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final which Croatia won 2-1 after extra time. England are favourites but Croatia have beaten them before on the biggest stage.

Conclusion
Croatia’s World Cup 2026 squad carries the weight of their greatest era and the hope of a new generation. Modrić’s fifth World Cup. Perišić scoring in four consecutive tournaments. Livaković saving penalties. Gvardiol dominating from left-back. And Vušković — born 2007 — representing everything that comes next.
Croatia always overachieve. Croatia always compete. And with Modrić on the pitch for perhaps the last time at a World Cup, they will never give up.

June 17. Dallas. England vs Croatia. The story continues.

Read our full preview:World Cup All Time Top Scorers: The Greatest Goalscorers in FIFA World Cup History (Updated2026)

Read:Neymar Named in Brazil World Cup 2026 Squad: Is This Really His Last Chance?

Can Croatia reach the knockouts again at World Cup 2026? And will Modrić produce one last magical moment? Tell us in the comments!