Portugal vs. Croatia Picks – World Cup Round of 32 Betting Preview, Team News, and Predictions (Jul 2)
- When: Thursday, July 2, 2026. 7:00 PM ET
- Where: Toronto Stadium, Canada
- How to Watch: FOX
Portugal vs. Croatia World Cup Preview
An all-European affair is set for the round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup on July 2, as Portugal and Croatia collide for a spot in the round of 16. Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued involvement for Portugal continues to make headlines, and it could yet derail their strong chance of success at the global competition in North America.
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Portugal Stats & Team News
It has been challenging to assess just how well Portugal have performed to this stage of the World Cup. The European nation were excellent for 90 minutes when beating Uzbekistan 5-0, but that performance was in between an underwhelming 1-1 draw against DR Congo, and a 0-0 stalemate against Colombia.
Portugal have dominated the ball in all three of their matches, but their constant overreliance in terms of trying to get a goal for Ronaldo is becoming an issue. The legendary veteran was a non-factor against Colombia, but he did score twice in the comfortable MD2 win. Finding the right balance will be key to their chances as the tournament progresses.
Likely Lineup:
(4-2-3-1) Costa (GK); Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Neto, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo
Croatia Stats & Team News
Despite making a slow start to the World Cup, losing 4-2 against England, Croatia have quickly pulled their form back together.
Back-to-back wins against Panama and Ghana secured second spot in Group L, and it is always worth considering that the Croatians have reached at least the semi-final stage in the last two editions of the World Cup. Croatia looked more balanced against Ghana, with Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic forming a base, with Petar Sucic excelling in the number ten role.
The midfield battle will be crucial on Thursday, and whichever team dominates the ball, will likely stand the best chance of booking a spot in the round of 16.
Likely Lineup:
(4-2-3-1) Livakovic (GK); Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Perisic; Kovacic, Modric; Vlasic, Sucic, Baturina; Budimir
Head-to-Head Stats
- Portugal are unbeaten in their last two head-to-head meetings with Croatia, with the latest encounter ending in a 2-2 draw in November 2024.
- Portugal have won six of the last nine H2Hs, with Croatia winning just once over the same period.
Portugal vs. Croatia World Cup Picks
Despite underwhelming results, Portugal’s performances were largely impressive in the group stage. Their quality in the midfield could be crucial in the round of 32, and coming back up against European opposition will suit their chances.
