Portugal finished second in Group K after draws vs. DR Congo and Colombia, plus a win vs. Uzbekistan. Croatia also finished second in Group L after an opening loss to England, then back-to-back wins vs. Panama and Ghana to reach the knockout stage.
The winner of this match will play Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday, July 6, at 3 p.m. ET in Dallas.
Portugal is a favorite vs. Croatia heading into today’s World Cup match on PrizePicks. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the starting XI for Portugal, while Luka Modrić starts in midfield for Croatia in another knockout-stage matchup between two of Europe’s most experienced sides.
Below are the official Portugal vs. Croatia lineups and starting XIs for today’s World Cup match, set to start at 7 p.m. ET on FOX.
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Confirmed Portugal Lineup vs. Croatia for World Cup 2026
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
Defenders: João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes
Midfielders: João Neves, Vitinha, Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão
Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal subs vs. Croatia: José Sá, Rui Silva, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Matheus Nunes, Nélson Semedo, Tomás Araújo, Bernardo Silva, Francisco Conceição, Rúben Neves, Samú, Trincão, Gonçalo Guedes, Gonçalo Ramos, João Félix
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Confirmed Croatia Lineup vs. Portugal for World Cup 2026
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Dominik Livaković
Defenders: Josip Stanišić, Josip Šutalo, Marin Pongračić, Ivan Perišić
Midfielders: Petar Sučić, Mateo Kovačić, Nikola Vlašić, Luka Modrić, Martin Baturina
Forward: Ante Budimir
Croatia subs vs. Portugal: Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Joško Gvardiol, Luka Vušković, Martin Erlić, Andrej Kramarić, Kristijan Jakić, Luka Sučić, Marco Pašalić, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Moro, Toni Fruk, Igor Matanović, Petar Musa
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What Portugal vs. Croatia Starting Lineups Mean for World Cup Predictions
The biggest Portugal lineup note is that Ronaldo starts at striker in a knockout match, despite some disappointing performances so far in the World Cup, while Leão comes into the XI after João Félix started vs. Colombia. That gives Portugal a more explosive option on the wing, especially in transition and 1v1 situations.
Against a Croatia side that can slow the game down through midfield, Leão’s pace could be one of Portugal’s best ways to create separation.
João Neves also starts next to Vitinha in midfield, replacing Rúben Neves from the Colombia match. That gives Portugal more mobility in the middle of the field, which could matter against Croatia’s midfield-heavy setup.
Vitinha should still help Portugal control possession, while João Neves gives them more energy pressing, covering ground, and connecting play into Fernandes.
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Croatia is also in a 4-2-3-1, with Ante Budimir starting up top and Luka Modrić in an advanced midfield role. Mateo Kovačić and Luka Sučić give Croatia technical quality behind him, while Nikola Vlašić and Martin Baturina add more midfield support in the final third.
This is a Croatia XI built to keep the ball, stay compact, and make Portugal work through tight spaces.
The key tactical matchup is Portugal’s wide speed vs. Croatia’s midfield control. If Portugal can get Neto and Leão isolated early, Ronaldo should have chances in the box. If Croatia can slow the tempo through Modrić and Kovačić, this could turn into a tighter, lower-volume match
For PrizePicks World Cup picks, the players worth watching based on today’s confirmed Portugal vs. Croatia lineups are Ronaldo for shots and goal-scoring chances, Bruno Fernandes for chances created and passing volume, Leão for attacking involvement, and Modrić or Kovačić if Croatia is able to control possession for long stretches.
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Make Portugal vs. Croatia World Cup Predictions on PrizePicks
Portugal faces Croatia at Toronto Stadium in a Round of 32 match where the winner advances to face Spain in the Round of 16.
Portugal enters with Cristiano Ronaldo starting up top, Bruno Fernandes in the attacking midfield role, and a back line led by Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes. Croatia counters with Ante Budimir at striker, Luka Modrić in midfield, and an experienced XI built to slow the game down and pick its spots.
Now that the Portugal vs. Croatia lineups are confirmed, it’s time to lock in your World Cup picks. On PrizePicks, you can select your players, choose More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re right.
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