Portugal And Croatia Meet In The Round Of 32
Toronto Stadium, Canada | 2026 World Cup Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | 12am BST
Will Cristiano Ronaldo help fire the Seleaco das Quinas to a potential L16 clash against Spain? Here at BetVictor News, we deliver the in-depth Portugal vs Croatia preview – including the score prediction, overall H2H record, team news, latest odds, the best betting angles and more.
- Portugal vs Croatia prediction: CR7 inspires extra-time win
- Bet on the 2026 World Cup with BetVictor
Portugal Vs Croatia Preview
Having navigated their way through Group K as runners-up, Portugal face a stern test in the shape of Croatia in Toronto on Friday morning. The Portuguese are still one of the World Cup betting favourites although they laboured to draws against DR Congo and Colombia.
Meanwhile, one issue that appears no closer to a resolution is that of Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in the starting XI. Head coach Roberto Martinez has stood by the veteran so far who rewarded the Spanish boss by netting twice against Uzbekistan on MD2 in the group stages.
As far as Croatia are concerned, they will be hoping to take advantage of the Selecao das Quinas ‘issue’ with CR7. With an aging squad, the Portugal vs Croatia odds imply a Portuguese win is most likely but with Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic onboard, a minor upset is plausible.
Portugal Vs Croatia H2H Record
This will be the 11th overall Portugal vs Croatia H2H meeting and the Selecao das Quinas can boast a total of seven victories. The very first meeting occurred 30 years ago during Euro ’96. A certain Luis Figo was among the scorers in a 3-0 win.
The Checkered Ones only victory came in a 2024 European Championship warm-up friendly by a scoreline of 2-1. Luka Modric and Ante Budimir netted for the Eastern Europeans. The most recent clash came just last year where the game ended in a 1-1 draw in the Nations League.
Portugal Vs Croatia H2H record:
- Portugal wins – 7
- Draws – 2
- Croatia wins – 1
Portugal Vs Croatia Team News
After the goalless draw against Colombia on MD3 in the group stages, Portugal don’t have any fresh injury concerns to entertain. The Selecao das Quinas will put their faith in all of their big guns which will include Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves and of course – Cristiano Ronaldo.
Meanwhile, Croatia are expected to reinstate Josko Gvardiol at left-back. The Man City star failed to make the starting XI against Ghana but his return will allow Ivan Perisic to play further up the pitch. Luka Modric will be partnered in midfield by Inter’s Petar Sucic and Mateo Kovacic.
Portugal’s last six in all comps:
DWDWWW
Croatia’s last six in all comps:
WWLWLL
Portugal Vs Croatia Predicted Lineups
Portugal predicted lineup:
Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves; Neto, Fernandes, Felix; Ronaldo
Croatia predicted lineup:
Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Sucic, Modric, Kovacic; Baturina, Budimir, Perisic
Portugal Vs Croatia TV Channel, Live Streaming And Radio
Portugal vs Croatia is available to watch live in the UK on BBC One (kick-off 12am). Streaming is also available on BBC iPlayer and on the BBC Sport website. Followers can also tune in via BBC Radio 5 Live.
*A valid TV license is required to watch live in the UK
Portugal Vs Croatia Betting Angles
Key Match Stats
- In six previous competitive meetings, Portugal are yet to lose to Croatia (W5, D1)
- Portugal World Cup stats – The Selecao boasted just ten corners from their three group stage matches
- Croatia World Cup stats – In six of the last eight games featuring Croatia, a goal has been scored in the 80th+ minute
Top Betting Angles for Portugal vs Croatia
Portugal vs Croatia bet boost: Cristiano Ronaldo 2+ SoT, over 2.5 cards and Ante Budimir 2+ SoT (Was 11/1, Now 13/1).
BTTS (Yes): Seven of Croatia’s last nine games saw both teams score. Available at 9/10.
Portugal vs Croatia specials: Goal scored between the 80th minute and full-time (90 mins) is online at 6/4.
Portugal Vs Croatia Prediction
A tricky one to predict as both sides boast plenty of talented stars but we feel that Portugal may just edge it in extra-time. Cristiano Ronaldo will be desperate to meet Spain in the Round of 32 and he could provide the zest to break Croatian hearts.
Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Croatia (AET)
If you intend to bet on Portugal vs Croatia then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on football.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. All odds correct as of 1pm on July 1, 2026 and are subject to change.
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