Portugal secured their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday night, defeating Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic knockout tie in Toronto that was decided by a 103rd-minute penalty converted by Cristiano Ronaldo . The victory, sealed after a contentious late VAR review, sent the Portuguese into Friday’s last-16 draw and set up a blockbuster clash with European champions Spain in the next phase.

Ronaldo, who had endured a torrid tournament before this match, finally broke his World Cup knockout duck when he converted the stoppage-time spot-kick after Diogo Costa’s heroic display in goal. The 39-year-old forward, who now has 146 international goals, was mobbed by teammates and fans alike as he celebrated on the pitch, while Luka Modrić, playing what may be his final World Cup match, was seen wiping away tears in the dugout .

The match itself was a rollercoaster. Portugal had twice come from behind to lead 2-1 before Croatia’s late equaliser was controversially ruled out for an offside that hinged on a microchip in the ball registering a touch by defender Igor Matanović . FIFA confirmed the sensor detected contact, a decision that left Croatian players and fans incensed and reignited debates over the selective application of technology in football.

Thousands of Portuguese supporters gathered in central Lisbon to watch the match on giant screens, erupting into celebration as Ronaldo’s penalty sealed the win . The victory extended Portugal’s unbeaten run in regular time to 33 matches and set up a clash with Spain, who earlier completed a 3-0 demolition of Austria in Philadelphia, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice .

Spain’s dominance, built on fluid possession and clinical finishing, contrasted sharply with Portugal’s nervy, error-strewn display. Unai Simón, Spain’s goalkeeper, meanwhile set a new Guinness World Record after keeping his fourth clean sheet of the tournament in the Austrian defeat .

As the Round of 16 takes shape, Argentina face Cape Verde in Miami, while France prepare to meet Paraguay in Philadelphia under stifling heat. The tournament has already delivered drama, controversy, and moments of brilliance, but the stage is now set for a collision between two of Europe’s heavyweights—Portugal and Spain—when they meet in the next round.

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