FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo's Portugal arrive in Toronto ahead of WC clash with Croatia
Toronto, July 1
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal has touched down in Toronto for their Round 32 FIFA World Cup clash against Croatia.
Portugal finished second in Group K behind Colombia and comes into the clash in mixed form, with one win and two draws in their last three matches. Croatia, meanwhile, secured second place in Group L with two wins and a loss en route to the knockout stage.
The winner of this match will face the winner of Spain vs Austria in the round of 16.
Colombia and Portugal played out a tense 0-0 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K clash in Miami, a result that confirmed Colombia as group winners while Portugal settled for second place. Colombia entered the match on six points and needed only a draw to top the group, while Portugal, on four points, required a win to secure first place. This is Colombia's first-ever goalless draw in a World Cup match.
The result confirmed Colombia's position at the top of Group K with six points, while Portugal finished second on four points. Both teams, however, progressed to the round of 32.
While Ronaldo matched another FIFA World Cup milestone despite Portugal being held to a goalless draw by Colombia in their final Group K fixture on Saturday (Local Time).
According to Opta Analyst, the 41-year-old Portugal captain made his 25th FIFA World Cup appearance, drawing level with Germany great Lothar Matthaus for the second-most appearances in the tournament's history.
Only Argentina captain Lionel Messi, with 29 appearances, has featured in more World Cup matches than Ronaldo.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Toronto hosting a World Cup match is massive for Canada! 🇨🇦 Wish India could host something like this someday. Ronaldo vs Croatia will be intense - both teams have strong defences. My money's on Portugal in extra time.
Ronaldo breaking records again! 25 World Cup appearances is incredible. But Portugal struggling to score against Colombia shows they're vulnerable. Croatia will fancy their chances after topping their group. Should be a cracker! 🏆
Is anyone else thinking Portugal peaked in 2016? 🤔 They have great individual players but lack team chemistry. Croatia's midfield is world-class. Still, you can never count out Ronaldo - he's a magician when it matters most!
As someone who follows football in India, it's amazing to see World Cup matches in North America. The atmosphere must be electric! 🇨🇦 Ronaldo vs Modric - two legends of the game going head-to-head. Hope India can qualify for the World Cup in my lifetime! 🤞
Portugal should be worried about their form - only 1 win in last 3 matches isn't encouraging for a knockout game. Croatia knows how to grind out results in tournament football. Ronaldo needs his teammates to step up, especially Bruno Fernandes! ⚽
J We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.