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06-07-2026
NEW YORK/ MEXICO CITY: Substitute Goncalo Ramos’s headed goal edged Portugal into the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a gripping 2-1 win against Croatia.
Ramos connected with a superb pass from Rafael Leao in the fourth minute of stoppage time on Thursday to snuff out a Croatia team that had created the lion’s share of the chances in sapping evening heat in Toronto.
In a dramatic ending, Croatia thought they had equalised in the dying seconds, but Josko Gvardiol’s goal was chalked off for offside.
The Croatians were left stunned by the decision, while Portugal’s players celebrated.
Cristiano Ronaldo played his role in the victory, stroking home a penalty that cancelled out Ivan Perisic’s opener.
It was Ronaldo’s first-ever goal in the knockout phase of the World Cup, and his remarkable international career will have another chapter when Portugal face Spain in Dallas on Monday. Perisic had stunned the Portuguese by slotting the ball under the advancing Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 53rd minute.
Within minutes, Ronaldo had the ball in the net after controlling a long pass, but his effort was disallowed for offside but Portugal got level when Renato Veiga was grabbed by Croatia’s Nikola Vlasic in the penalty area, and after a VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot.
Ronaldo stepped up to convert the penalty with ease, hitting the ball straight down the middle of the goal and pumping his fists with joy afterwards.
In a pulsating game, Manchester City forward Mateo Kovacic’s low shot was pushed onto a post by goalkeeper Costa’s fingertips.
Still, Croatia pushed, and Petar Sucic had the ball in the net but the assistant referee’s flag was up for a clear offside.
Ronaldo was withdrawn in the 81st minute to allow Ruben Neves to come on.
Croatia continued to create more chances than their opponents, and Mario Pasalic came so close to winning the game with a header at the far post, but it bounced just wide but when Ramos connected, the net bulged, and Portugal were through.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place from 11 June to 19 July, as a record 48 teams compete for the sport’s ultimate prize in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Teams are divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two advancing to the knockout stages while the eight best third-place finishers make up the round of 32.
From there, it is a straight elimination format to determine the two nations who will contest the FIFA World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
A record 48 teams will compete at this year’s FIFA men’s World Cup, meaning the 2026 edition will feature more players than ever before.
Over 1,000 footballers are representing their nations at the global football tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, where each team can name up to 26 players, including three goalkeepers.
As per FIFA, while teams were able to announce their squads at any time, they were not considered official until confirmed by FIFA on Tuesday (2 June.)
Many of the biggest names in men’s football will convene for the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup (11 June-19 July) but there are several star players who will not be present on the pitch.
While the tournament will feature a record 48 teams in North America, qualifying for the world’s greatest stage saw a handful of powerhouse nations miss out.
Among them are four-time champions Italy, who are absent for the third straight finals after play-off final defeat on penalties. With the quality of Gianluigi Donnarumma and midfield maestro Sandro Tonali, it is a tough pill to swallow for the Azzurri. (Int’l News Desk)
