Sweltering Toronto sets stage for Portugal‑Croatia World Cup knockout

Portugal and Croatia will clash in the Round‑of‑32 at Toronto Stadium on July 1, 2026, as a heat warning predicts a humid 42 °C feel at kickoff and a thunderstorm later that evening. Fans are expected to arrive in large numbers despite the extreme conditions, while both sides hope their veteran stars can deliver decisive performances. The Round‑of‑32 match is the final game of the international tournament to be played at Toronto Stadium. Fans in Toronto are expected to turn out in droves today to watch the clash despite the stifling heat wave and some event cancellations. A heat warning is in place for Toronto, with humidity at kickoff expected to feel like 42 °C. The city announced that match broadcasts at Nathan Phillips Square have been cancelled, while the FIFA Fan Festival will remain open with misting stations and drinking water trailers.

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It could possibly be the final World Cup match of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo's legendary career. Ronaldo, the first player to score in six different World Cups, still has not scored in a knockout round and will need to find the net to help Portugal avoid elimination. Luka Modric earned his 200th international cap for Croatia just over a week ago in a crucial win over Panama at the same stadium. At 40 years old, the midfielder remains a pillar of Croatia’s side, and coach Zlatko Dalic expects the match to be decided by his position. “Luka Modric is a great reference for all football players and even more to me because he’s the centre midfielder. We have exchanged our jerseys,” Portugal midfielder Vitinha said. “He’s a great person from what I was able to share with him. Hopefully, tomorrow he’ll be a little bit sadder than me.” “We have a lot of motives to have the ambition to want to win tomorrow, not just because of the World Cup,” Vitinha added. “We individually and as a team, we want to win, we want to go to the next phase, for our whole country, for our parents, for our family, for our friends, for the Ugushta, and of course, for Cristiano as well.”