Portugal defeats Croatia 2-1 after wild 2nd half of World Cup soccer in Toronto

Toronto association football fans excited to watch over portuguese republic and Ronaldo in the metropolis

Ronaldo is in Toronto for the FIFA World Cup. Here's what Portuguese fans are saying

Fact check: Fake photo of Cristiano Ronaldo in Toronto

What World Cup success means for Canadian soccer

Here's why hydration breaks are stirring up controversy at the FIFA World Cup

And with that, Toronto's role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end.

This diverse and passionate city hosted six games in the tournament, welcoming everyone from the hometown Canadians to European powerhouses Portugal and Croatia, to some of Africa's finest.

I've had the pleasure of covering four games live from this stadium and each one was a banger, although this probably takes the cake for the second half alone. What an insane half of soccer it was!

Absolutely beautiful moments on the field after the match, as Ronaldo leads Portugal’s side to salute their Toronto fans. On his way off the pitch, he threw his jersey to a fan just above the tunnel.

On the field’s south end, Croatia’s fans remained on their feet to salute their heartbroken side. Having three goals called back will sting for a long time.

John, the word "classic" is grossly overused, but that match had everything — especially that wild second half. It's been a while since I've seen soccer that gripping. You just didn't know what was going to happen next.

You really have to feel for Croatia. They thought they'd retaken the lead when it was 1-1, then they thought they'd tied it up at the death — only to be cruelly overruled by some of the more intricate rules of the game.

Portugal’s fans are dancing and Croatia’s fans are crushed (and pissed) as the final whistle sounds.

The Croats on the pitch are hanging their heads, but what an effort they gave tonight. Portugal’s players have all been hugging Ronaldo, as they’ll play on in this tournament and keep his World Cup career going. 

What a match. What a World Cup in this venue.

How are your heart rates?

That was one of the most intense, exhilarating, absolutely insane halves of soccer I've ever seen played — at any stage and in any stadium.

From the multiple goals to the back-and-forth attacks, from the thrill of a stoppage time equalizer to the dramatic reversal of that goal, this was soccer at its most thrilling self. 

And to cap it all off, Ronaldo and Modrić shared a heartfelt moment after the full-time whistle. How can you not be romantic about this sport?

Croatia fans are firing water bottles and beer cans onto the field and booing the referee. Portugal’s goalie just snared one bottle midair. 

It's getting ugly quick in Toronto Stadium, and I doubt the VAR replay will change the minds of these fans. 

The grounds staff is cleaning up the bottles the Portuguese players haven’t yet kicked off the field.

Ronaldo and Portugal march on! They will play Spain in the Round of 16. 

For the first time since 2014, Croatia fail to finish in the top four of a FIFA World Cup.

With that, Modrić's World Cup career has almost certainly come to an end in Toronto.

The goal has been disallowed after VAR tells the referee to check the video replay. It's yet another Croatian goal ruled out for offside.

No dramatic equalizer … yet!

Every Portugal fan is on their feet and jumping. A red flare has been fired off in the upper deck and, unfortunately, a fan in a Ronaldo jersey ran onto the field and tried to get onto Portugal’s bench before being tackled and detained by security.

Wild scenes. 

Can Croatia counter?

Croatia makes an offense-minded change, bringing attacker Andrej Kramarić on for Mateo Kovačić.

They have a few minutes left to find the equalizer!

---

---