Croatia meets Portugal in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, ON on July 2, 2026. Here’s how to watch live on TV.
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: Toronto Stadium, Toronto, ON
- TV Channels: FOX, Telemundo
How to Watch Croatia vs. Portugal on July 2, 2026
You can watch Portugal take on Croatia live on DIRECTV on FOX and Telemundo on July 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET.
Croatia vs. Portugal — Round of 32 Match Preview
Croatia and Portugal square off in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ at Toronto Stadium, a knockout clash that puts two of European football’s most storied programs on a collision course. Croatia arrived here having finished Group L with a 2-0-1 record under coach Zlatko Dalic — the same group of players who reached the 2018 World Cup final and took third place in 2022, making this one of the most decorated generations in Croatian history.
Portugal advanced from Group K with a 1-2-0 record, a tighter path to the knockout stage but one that Roberto Martinez’s squad navigated all the same, bringing a deep and talented roster that has chased a first World Cup title since its best-ever finish of third in 1966.
The two sides know each other well from the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League: Portugal won 2-1 in September 2024 and the rematch ended 1-1 in November 2024, so there is no mystery between these teams. Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal’s attack with 2 goals across 3 group-stage matches, while Croatia’s Petar Musa and Petar Sucic each found the net in the group stage as Dalic’s side showed they can produce in front of goal. With a Quarterfinal place on the line, Croatia will need to deny Ronaldo on what could be one of his last appearances at a World Cup, and Portugal will need to contain a Croatian midfield that has proven it can unlock defenses.
National TV
FOX, Telemundo
What Time is the Portugal vs. Croatia Match Today?
The Croatia vs. Portugal match starts at 7:00 PM ET.
Where Can I Watch Croatia vs. Portugal?
You can watch Croatia vs. Portugal on FOX and Telemundo.
Players to Watch: Croatia vs. Portugal
Croatia
Petar Musa — Forward. Musa has been Croatia’s most direct attacking threat in the group stage, scoring 1 goal across 2 appearances to give Dalic a reliable target up front. His physical presence in the box makes him a constant danger on set pieces and crosses, and with Croatia needing to generate on the counter against Portugal’s defensive depth, his ability to hold the ball and link play will be just as important as his finishing.
Petar Sucic — Midfielder. Sucic contributed 1 goal across 3 appearances in Group L, adding a goal threat from midfield that defenses cannot ignore. He is one of the younger creative forces in this Croatian side and his engine in transition — pressing high and arriving late into the box — gives Croatia a dimension beyond the classic Modric-era patient buildup. His performance here could shape the direction of the match.
Josip Stanisic — Defender. Stanisic has been one of Croatia’s more active contributors from the back line, picking up 1 assist across 3 group-stage appearances — a figure that speaks to how much Croatia asks its fullbacks to join the attack. Against Portugal’s wide threats, his defensive discipline will be tested, but his ability to contribute going forward means Croatia won’t be purely reactive even when absorbing pressure.
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo — Forward. Ronaldo leads Portugal at this tournament with 2 goals across 3 group-stage matches, an output that confirms he remains the focal point of Roberto Martinez’s attacking plan. At 41, this may well be his final World Cup, and he has shown through the group stage that the occasion still brings out his best. Portugal moves through him, and Croatia will need a disciplined defensive plan to limit his touches in dangerous areas.
João Neves — Midfielder. Neves scored 1 goal across 3 appearances in Group K and has emerged as one of the more influential central midfielders in Portugal’s squad. Still in the early stages of his international career, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder brings a composure and range of passing that keeps Portugal ticking in possession — and at a knockout match’s pace, that control in the center of the pitch can be the difference between a flowing move and a turnover in a dangerous area.
Nuno Mendes — Defender. Mendes made his attacking quality count in the group stage, registering 1 goal across 3 appearances — a rare and valuable contribution from left back. His overlapping runs stretch opposing defenses and create space for Portugal’s attacking midfielders to operate through the center. Croatia will need to account for him on that flank or risk him arriving unmarked at the back post, as he did more than once in the group stage.
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