Portugal booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after Gonçalo Ramos scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to seal a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia in Toronto.
Roberto Martinez’s side recovered from a second-half deficit, with Cristiano Ronaldo equalising from the penalty spot before Ramos headed home Rafael Leão’s cross in the fourth minute of added time to secure Portugal’s place in the last eight.
Portugal dominated the opening stages and almost took the lead inside four minutes when Leão burst clear before cutting the ball back for Bruno Fernandes, whose effort was saved by Dominik Livaković before Josip Šutalo blocked the rebound.
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Pedro Neto continued to trouble the Croatian defence, delivering dangerous crosses that narrowly escaped Ronaldo and Leão as Portugal searched for an early breakthrough.
Despite Portugal’s dominance, Croatia struck first shortly after the restart.
Nikola Vlašić combined well with Josip Stanišić, whose cross found Ivan Perišić unmarked at the far post to fire Croatia into the lead.
Croatia thought they had doubled their advantage moments later through Igor Matanović, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The disallowed goal sparked Portugal into life.
Leão rattled the crossbar before Ronaldo had an excellent finish chalked off for offside.
Portugal finally drew level after Renato Veiga was brought down inside the penalty area during a corner. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot, and Ronaldo calmly converted to register his third goal of the tournament and his 11th FIFA World Cup goal.
Croatia continued to threaten, with Mateo Kovačić forcing Diogo Costa into two brilliant saves, while the Portuguese goalkeeper also denied Matanović. Petar Sučić also had a goal ruled out for offside as the contest swung from end to end.
Just as extra time appeared inevitable, Portugal found the decisive moment.
Leão delivered a superb cross into the penalty area, where Ramos rose highest to power a header beyond Livaković in the 94th minute, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Portuguese players and coaching staff.
There was still late drama as Joško Gvardiol appeared to have equalised for Croatia, only for VAR to rule that Mario Pašalić had been offside in the build-up.
Portugal now advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, where they will face Spain in Dallas on July 6.