Portugal vs Croatia prediction, odds and betting tips for 02.07.2026 23:00. Full preview, team news and best bets for this World Cup match.
Two famous European football nations clash in Toronto on Friday to find out who goes through to the last 16 of the competition. Both teams finished second in their respective groups, and both teams have creative quality to unlock any defence. Portugal are unbeaten in their last four matches against Croatia; Portugal have won three, and there was a draw.
In Portugal’s last 10 competitive matches, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 8 times, with Fernandes and Neves hitting the net 4 and 3 times respectively. When it comes to assists, Fernandes and Neto stand out for Portugal with 3, and goalkeeper Diogo Costa has 4 clean sheets. Croatia’s top scorer over 10 competitive matches is Andrej Kramaric with 4; Perisic and Vlasic have 3. Assists go to Modric and Stanisic with 3 each. The goalkeeper has kept 4 clean sheets in 10.
Croatia have made it to the semi-finals in the last three World Cup tournaments, so they have competition experience. Portugal has the stronger team on paper and a younger team.
We expect there to be goals and both teams to score, but Portugal to edge it.
James is a London-born sports writer and lifelong football fanatic with a deep passion for the English Premier League and Manchester United. Driven by a love for the written word, James joined our team to deliver sharp analysis, timely updates, and expert insights into the world's biggest sporting events.
