Portugal came from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 at BMO Field, securing their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an entertaining knockout clash.

The first half ended goalless, with both sides cancelling each other out despite creating a handful of chances in a tightly contested encounter.

Croatia broke the deadlock eight minutes after the restart when veteran winger Ivan Perišić found the back of the net in the 53rd minute to put the Blazers ahead.

Portugal responded strongly and were rewarded with a penalty in the 68th minute, which Cristiano Ronaldo calmly converted to restore parity and swing the momentum in his side’s favour.

With the match heading towards extra time, Gonçalo Ramos rose highest to head home the winner late in the game, completing Portugal’s comeback.

Croatia thought they had forced extra time when Joško Gvardiol found the net in the closing stages, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

The victory sends Portugal into the Round of 16, where they will face Spain on July 6 at AT&T Stadium in what promises to be one of the standout ties of the tournament.