Portugal arrives at the first knockout game after finishing Group K in second place, with five points, behind Colombia, which totalled seven. The Portuguese team started by drawing with the Democratic Republic of Congo (1-1), then thrashed Uzbekistan (5-0), and drew again with Colombia (0-0).

Ahead, the Portuguese team will face Croatia, second in Group L, which lost to England in their debut (4-2) but then beat Panama (1-0) and Ghana (2-1), and is coached by Carlos Queiroz.

Changes in the team

Portuguese coach Roberto Martínez has all players available, but at least one change is expected in the team compared to the game against Colombia, with João Neves likely to return to the starting eleven in place of Rúben Neves, and Bernardo Silva also in the mix for a possible return.

Portugal has a very positive record, with seven wins, two draws and one loss, but this will be the first time they have faced Croatia in the World Cup knockout phase.

The game against Croatia is scheduled for midnight, Lisbon time, at BMO Field Stadium in Toronto, Canada, with Norwegian referee Espen Eskas officiating.

For the duration of the game, weather warnings indicate a risk of storms that could affect the start or progress of the match in a completely open stadium.

Upcoming opponents

If Portugal overcomes the Croatian team, runner-up in 2018 and third in the last edition in 2022, they will already know they will face Spain or Austria in the round of 16, two teams that also play each other today in Inglewood.

The other match of the day in the round of 16 pits Switzerland against Algeria in Vancouver, Canada.

The 2026 World Cup, the first with 48 teams, runs until 19 July in the United States, Mexico and Canada.