Croatia prepares to face Portugal in World Cup knockout round
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 6:00 AM
Last updated Jul 2, 2026
Croatia meets Portugal at Toronto Stadium in the World Cup last 32, set for kickoff at midnight BST on July 3, 2026. After a tough start with a 4-2 loss to England, Croatia bounced back with victories over Panama and Ghana. Coach Zlatko Dalic readies a strong lineup, welcoming back Josko Gvardiol while Martin Baturina emerges as a key attacking option. Luka Modric, the oldest player to assist in a World Cup match at age 40, leads the midfield. The match is anticipated to showcase a compelling battle between Modric and Portugal's Joao Neves.
- •Match takes place at Toronto Stadium.
- •Kickoff scheduled for 00:00 BST on July 3, 2026.
- •Croatia advanced as Group L runners-up.
- •Gvardiol returns to the lineup, shifting Perisic's position.
- •Modric aims to leverage experience against Portugal.
- 6:00 AMYahoo Sports — Croatia XI vs Portugal – Predicted lineup and team news
"Croatia face Portugal at Toronto Stadium in the early hours of Friday morning in the World Cup last 32, targeting the kind of knockout upset that has defined their reputation over the past decade.Zlat...
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- Boxing•Jul 3, 2026, 9:35 AMUsyk in Zuffa talks for farewell bout with Wilder
Boxing•Jul 3, 2026, 7:11 AMWorld Cup 2026: Portugal through to face Spain after VAR drama, Salah fit to face Australia – live- Boxing•Jul 3, 2026, 7:08 AMEastern heat on July 4 threatens World Cup players and fans
Boxing•Jul 3, 2026, 7:00 AM‘Now the flag is everywhere’: how World Cup success has changed life in Cape Verde- Boxing•Jul 3, 2026, 6:51 AMAnna Woolhouse: ‘If I thought about how many people were watching, I probably wouldn’t go on air!’
- Boxing•Jul 3, 2026, 6:17 AM📝 2026 World Cup, overnight recap
