Portugal’s confirmed 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.
Midfielder João Neves is back in 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.
João Neves’ return is one of two changes made by head coach Roberto Martínez. In attack, João Félix makes way foir Rafael Leão.
Meanwhile, 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 will move outright second on the list, behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who has 29.
Portugal’s confirmed starting lineup vs Croatia:
Costa, Cancelo, Veiga, Dias, Mendes, J. Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes, Neto, Leão, 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.
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