Portugal vs. Croatia projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup Round of 32 game in Toronto

Portugal and Croatia meet on Thursday at BMO Field in Toronto in a World Cup Round of 32 clash, with the winner advancing to a Round of 16 meeting with Spain or Austria.

Portugal finished second in Group K after draws with DR Congo and Colombia either side of a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, the game in which Cristiano Ronaldo became their all-time World Cup top scorer.

Croatia also came through in second, in Group L, recovering from a 4-2 opening defeat to England with narrow wins over Panama and Ghana. The 2018 finalists have lost seven of their 10 previous meetings with Portugal, who go in as favorites to progress. The game is also a rematch of European Championship meetings in 1996 and 2016, both won by Portugal.

Here is how we expect the teams to line up.

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Portugal projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. D. Costa (GK) — 20. J. Cancelo, 3. R. Dias, 13. R. Veiga, 25. N. Mendes — 23. Vitinha, 15. J. Neves — 18. P. Neto, 8. B. Fernandes, 11. J. Felix — 7. C. Ronaldo

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None

Roberto Martinez's favored setup appears to be the one that has started the past two games, so there is little likelihood he will make sweeping changes now.

That means Joao Felix and Pedro Neto are set to continue in the wide attacking areas, with Bruno Fernandes deployed as a 10 behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

Renato Veiga has impressed at centre-back and should keep his place alongside Ruben Dias. Joao Neves is expected to return to the lineup in midfield.

LIVE: Follow Portugal vs. Croatia updates from 2026 World Cup knockout game

Croatia projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. D. Livakovic (GK) — 2. J. Stanisic, 3. M. Pongracic, 6. J. Sutalo, 14. I. Perisic — 10. L. Modric, 8. M. Kovacic — 13. N. Vlasic, 17. P. Sucic, 16. M. Baturina — 11. A. Budimir

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None

Zlatko Dalic is also likely to keep faith with his usual system and stick with his trusted (and experienced) key players.

Luka Modric, like Ronaldo, could be about to play his final World Cup match. Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic may also be set to call time on their distinguished international careers.

New Brighton and Hove Albion signing Luka Vuskovic will likely be on the bench once more.

Portugal vs. Croatia predictions, betting odds

Portugal have the deeper, more talented squad and a settled system, while Croatia have ridden their luck to reach this stage. Modric and Kovacic can control midfield, but Portugal's attacking quality should ultimately tell in a tight contest.

• Score prediction: Portugal 2-1 Croatia

Portugal vs. Croatia World Cup rosters

Here are the names on the Portugal vs. Croatia World Cup rosters, as named for the 2026 tournament.

Portugal World Cup squad

Head coach: Roberto Martinez

Croatia World Cup squad

Head coach: Zlatko Dalic

Where to watch Portugal vs. Croatia

•  TV channel: Fox
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: