World Cup 2026

Portugal starting lineup vs Croatia: Roberto Martinez’s XI for the round of 32 game

In the 2026 World Cup knockout stages, Portugal take on Croatia in Toronto today, with a berth in the round of 16 at stake.

MICHAEL REAVES

William Allen

Journalist and translator, AS USA

British journalist and translator who joined Diario AS in 2013. Focuses on soccer – chiefly the Premier League, LaLiga, the Champions League, the Liga MX and MLS. On occasion, also covers American sports, general news and entertainment. Fascinated by the language of sport – particularly the under-appreciated art of translating cliché-speak.

Update: Jul 2nd, 2026 17:00 EDT

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Midfielder João Neves is expected to return to the Portugal lineup today, as the Seleção faces Croatia in the World Cup round of 32.

Neves was surprisingly left out of the XI for Portugal’s final Group K game, a goalless draw with Colombia on Saturday, with Rúben Neves replacing the Paris Saint-Germain star in the Portuguese engine room. However, João Neves then returned in place of his namesake for the second half in Miami, restoring his renowned midfield partnership with clubmate Vitinha.

By bringing João Neves back into his lineup, head coach Roberto Martínez is expected to revert to the Portugal team that began the 5-0 win over Uzbekistan on June 23, on matchday two of the group stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to win a record-extending 232nd cap for Portugal, in the process overtaking Germany great Lothar Matthäus in all-time ranking of the men’s World Cup’s highest appearance-makers. By playing his 26th World Cup game, Ronaldo would move outright second on the list, behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who has 29.

Portugal’s expected starting lineup vs Croatia:

Diogo Costa, João Cancelo, Renato Veiga, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, João Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal vs Croatia: kickoff times, how to watch the in the U.S.

In the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, Portugal and Croatia meet in Toronto today, Thursday, July 2, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

Viewers in the U.S. can watch the game on Fox Network, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, Fox One and fubo. You can also follow live-text coverage of the matchup right here at AS USA.

Cristiano Ronaldo chasing the only trophy that matters

World Cup 2026

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