Portugal advanced to the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Croatia in Toronto on Thursday, in a match defined by a stoppage-time winner, a disallowed Croatian equaliser, and the debut of ball-chip technology at the heart of a major VAR ruling. Goncalo Ramos headed in the decisive goal in the 94th minute, only for Croatia to believe they had levelled moments later — before a two-and-a-half-minute review ruled the effort out for offside, sparking furious scenes from Croatian players and supporters.

Croatia had taken the lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perisic, who finished off a cross from Josip Sanisic. Portugal drew level on 68 minutes when Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, converted a penalty down the middle after Nikola Vlasic was penalised for a foul inside the box — a spot-kick that gave Ronaldo his first goal in the knockout stage of a World Cup. He was substituted off in the 81st minute, leaving Ramos to secure the win with his late header. Portugal will face Spain in the round of 16 on July 6.

The most contentious moment came when Josko Gvardiol appeared to equalise deep into stoppage time. Norwegian referee Espen Eskas ordered a VAR review, and the goal was disallowed after data from the match ball — the officially named