Portugal vs Croatia Tips, Prediction & Odds: World Cup 2026

* Odds supplied by Betway, accurate when this was written.

BMO Field in Toronto hosts Portugal vs Croatia on Friday, a 2026 World Cup Round of 32 match starting at 01:00 CAT. Portugal finished second in Group K behind Colombia and let in only one goal, while Croatia were runners-up to England in Group L. It is a big knockout clash between two seasoned nations who know tournament football well. For all our World Cup betting tips, take a look at our dedicated section.

Portugal

Portugal went through Group K without a loss, opening with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, thrashing Uzbekistan 5-0 thanks to two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, and finishing the group stage with a goalless draw against Colombia. I think they have the stronger squad in this tie, with Bruno Fernandes running the show and Ronaldo, Rafael Leao and Joao Felix all available up front. My worry is that they found it hard to break down well organised teams, drawing with both Congo DR and Colombia, so they will need patience. With no new injury or suspension issues, I expect Portugal to dominate the ball and keep probing as they push for the last 16.

Expected Lineup: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Felix, B. Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo.

Croatia

Croatia recovered from a 4-2 opening loss to England by beating Panama and Ghana to take second place in their group. As I see it, the experienced core of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic can still control the rhythm of a game, and they are still a danger from set plays, as shown when a Modric corner led to Nikola Vlasic's goal against Ghana. Their weakness is defensive, having let in five goals in three group matches, four of them against England. With nobody suspended, I expect Croatia to fight for midfield control and lean on their experience in a close knockout game.

Expected Lineup: Livakovic; Stanisic, Pongracic, Sutalo, Perisic; Kovacic, Modric; Vlasic, Baturina, Sucic; Budimir.

This looks set to be a close, even contest between two teams with similar styles and shaky defences. I think Portugal's extra depth in attack will decide it, but Croatia have enough through Modric and their set pieces to score. As I see it, Portugal edge through to the last 16 with goals at both ends. My forecast: Portugal 2 Croatia

BTTS: Yes (1.94)

My pick is both teams to score, because I cannot see either of these leaky defences keeping a clean sheet. Portugal let in just one goal in the group, but Croatia are dangerous through Modric's set pieces and their attacking midfielders, and Portugal's depth up front means they will always create chances. With both back lines open to being exposed, I expect goals at each end.