Portugal still has the figure of Cristiano Ronaldo. However, it is not the 41-year-old player who is being used as the spirit of the Selecao das Quinas when facing Croatia in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup at the AT&T Stadium in Toronto, Canada, on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 6:00, but rather the late Diogo Jota. This is because the match is being played just one day before the first anniversary of Jota’s passing in an accident on July 3, 2025.
Portugal and Croatia must clash in the Round of 32 after finishing as runners-up in their respective groups. Portugal ended the group stage in second place in Group K after playing out a goalless draw against Colombia. Meanwhile, Croatia qualified as the runners-up of Group L on the back of a crucial victory over Ghana.
Ahead of the meeting with Croatia, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez emphasized that the figure of Jota still lives on in the memories of all his squad members. Losing Jota remains an emotional wound that has not truly healed, but it has now also transformed into a source of great strength. The Spanish coach hopes that Jota’s spirit will serve as additional fuel for his team to go far in the 2026 World Cup. This emotional motivation is expected to ignite and become an important weapon for Portugal when facing this do-or-die match. Because in the knockout phase, the mental factor often becomes the differentiator, and Portugal now has a reason far greater than just a victory.
Nevertheless, on the pitch, Martinez will continue to rely on Ronaldo. Despite receiving criticism for not resting CR7 even once in the knockout phase, Martinez seems not to care. According to Martinez, Ronaldo is still capable of carrying out his important role thanks to his experience, intelligence in reading the game, and mental strength, even though he has reached the age of 41.
“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It is more about staying mentally strong and disciplined with his position. There is no problem, either physically or mentally, for Cristiano to play 90 minutes,” he said. Even so, the match against Croatia will be a major test. Portugal needs better effectiveness in the frontline after appearing less sharp when facing Colombia.
Modric’s Magic
Just like Martinez, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic will also still hope for the magic of Luka Modric in this match. In fact, the 40-year-old midfielder will be the centerpiece of Croatia’s play. When facing Ghana, for example, Modric recorded 102 touches of the ball, created four chances, and contributed greatly to both the attacking and defensive phases. He even recorded an assist from a corner kick for Nikola Vlasic’s goal.
Dalic did not hesitate to give high praise to his captain. According to him, Modric understands very well that the 2026 World Cup will most likely be his last tournament with Croatia. This makes the maestro perform with extra motivation. “Luka is fantastic. That is his character and his energy,” he said.
Dalic emphasized that his team also has the motivation to silence the criticism that had hit them. According to him, Croatia deserves greater respect after once again qualifying for the knockout phase. He even leveled criticism at those who doubted his team throughout the tournament. “This national team deserves better because we have many fans supporting Croatia. Whether losing or winning, they must be loved,” he said.
This match brings together two teams that both rely on experience, discipline, and individual quality. Portugal has Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, and Diogo Costa. Meanwhile, Croatia relies on Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic, and their signature, always-solid play organization.
Will the spirit of Diogo Jota be able to become the additional energy that carries Portugal through this heavy test? Or on the contrary, can Modric’s magic bring Croatia to step further in the finals of this World Cup?
