Portugal vs. Croatia live score, result, highlights as Livakovic turns away Bruno Fernandes to keep game level

Portugal vs. Croatia live score, result, highlights as Livakovic turns away Bruno Fernandes to keep game level originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Croatia has quietly emerged as a soccer superpower over the past decade, following up its runner-up finish during the 2018 World Cup with a third-place showing in the 2022 edition of the competition.

Four years on, the Checkered Ones’ spine remains the same — Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic continue to provide contributions to Zlatko Dalic’s bunch, helping the nation of less than 4 million punch above its weight.

They’ll get a chance to try their luck against one of Europe’s heavyweights on Thursday night, taking on Portugal and its headlining striker, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Roberto Martinez’s side has looked a bit underwhelming thus far, drawing with DR Congo and Colombia. Ronaldo struck twice against Uzbekistan, but he has failed to inspire confidence in international colors as of late — especially when compared to the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and others.

The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights for Portugal vs. Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Follow below for the complete results from the Round of 32 match in Toronto.

STREAM:Watch the 2026 World Cup live with fubo (U.S. only free trial)

Portugal vs. Croatia score

Location: Toronto
Referee: Slavko Vincic (SLV)

Projected starting lineups:

Portugal (4-2-3-1): 1. D. Costa (GK) — 20. J. Cancelo, 3. R. Dias, 13. R. Veiga, 25. N. Mendes — 15. J. Neves, 23. Vitinha — 17. R. Leao, 8. B. Fernandes, 18. P. Neto — 7. C. Ronaldo

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

2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Updated World Cup standings

Portugal vs. Croatia updates, highlights from 2026 World Cup knockouts

(All times ET)

45+1′: Leao’s volley soars over goal

7:46 p.m.: Portugal has looked the more threatening of both sides thus far, producing a handful of half-chances and stinging Livakovic’s hands with a pair of efforts. However, things have been fairly turgid around the 18-yard box for Roberto Martinez’s side. Leao latched onto a looping ball and attempted to fire it home on the volley. But his strike leapt high off of his right foot, landing in the stands.

25′: Chances limited on both sides as first half wears on

7:25 p.m.: After early flourishes by both sides, the game has settled into a bit of a slog. There have been a few half-chances here and there. But the attacking play hasn’t quite kicked into gear thus far.

5′: Dominik Livakovic stonewalls Bruno Fernandes after strong play from Mendes, Leao

7:03 p.m.: Portugal burst into life after absorbing a bit of Croatian pressure, with Nuno Mendes finding Rafael Leao surging towards the penalty box. The Milan star swept a pass towards Bruno Fernandes, who slapped a shot at Livakovic’s frame. The Croatian netminder was equal to the attempt, diving low to deflect it away. Fernandes fired his rebound into a jungle of limbs, which gobbled the effort up and sent it elsewhere.

Pre-game

7 p.m.: National anthems have been crooned. Handshakes hav been exchanged. Here comes the football, live from BMO Field in Toronto! We’re underway!

6 p.m.: Here’s a look at the lineups for tonight’s contest. Not much in the way of surprises for either side, with Ronaldo leading the line for Portugal and Kovacic and Modric looking to keep play ticking in the midfield. Ante Budimir will retain his place up top for Croatia as Andrej Kramaric and Petar Musa watch on from the sidelines. No Josko Gvardiol in Croatia’s lineup — Ivan Perisic will drop to left back, while Martin Baturina will offer his services at left wing.

🇵🇹 PORTUGAL vs CROATIA 🇭🇷

Starting XI’s confirmed! ✅ pic.twitter.com/B355h3GbH9

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 2, 2026

5 p.m.: While there have been some calls to drop Cristiano Ronaldo in favor of 24-year-old striker Goncalo Ramos, there is little evidence that Roberto Martinez will make a change at the No. 9 position. Only time will tell if that’s a wise decision.

Where to watch Portugal vs. Croatia in World Cup

Portugal vs. Croatia start time

• Date: Monday, June 29
• Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

Portugal vs. Croatia kicks off at 7 p.m. ET from BMO Field in Toronto.

What channel is Portugal vs. Croatia on today?

• TV channel: Fox or FS1
• Live stream:Fubo (U.S. only free trial)

Thursday’s match between Portugal and Croatia will air nationally on Fox (for English-speaking viewers) and Telemundo (for Spanish-speaking viewers) in the United States. Those looking to stream the match can turn toward fubo, which offers a free trial to new users.

Here’s a look at how the 7 p.m. ET start time compares to differing time zones:

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World Cup 2026 knockouts schedule

Round of 32

Round of 16

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Third-place match

Final