Both Portugal and Croatia have had an inconsistent FIFA World Cup campaign so far. Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself at the center of criticism, and an exit as early as the Round of 32 could further intensify the pressure. What are the best betting picks for Portugal vs Croatia?
- Portugal have conceded just one goal at the FIFA World Cup
- Croatia have kept only one clean sheet in their last nine matches
- Both teams have scored in each of the last six meetings between these sides.
Portugal vs Croatia Predictions
Whenever Portugal have come up against better-organized opponents, such as DR Congo and Colombia, they have struggled. Roberto Martinez's side looked particularly uninspiring in attack, while several of the coach's decisions—most notably his persistence in starting Cristiano Ronaldo—have sparked nationwide debate.
Our pick: Both teams to receive Over 0.5 cards at odds of 1.64 (-156)
This has all the makings of a physical, hard-fought contest with plenty of action at both ends. With a place in the Round of 16 on the line, numerous fouls and stoppages should be expected.
| Date and timeKick-off: | Thursday, July 2, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (USA) / 12:00 AM BST (UK, Friday, July 3). |
| Broadcast | Check on FIFA official site |
| Odds on Portugal to win | 1.75 (-133) |
| Odds on Croatiato win |
4.10 (+410) |
Portugal vs Croatia Betting Odds
Although Portugal have managed just one win and two draws so far, bookmakers still consider them clear favorites. Odds on a Portugal victory are 1.75 (-133), while Croatia are priced at 5.10 (+410) to win. The draw is available at approximately 3.75 (+275).
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Predicted Lineups
Nothing suggests that Roberto Martinez is ready to leave Cristiano Ronaldo out of the starting lineup. However, changes in midfield compared to the Colombia match are expected, with Joao Neves tipped to start. One of the key selection dilemmas remains whether Joao Felix or Rafael Leao will begin on the wing.
- Portugal: Costa – Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes – Neves, Vitinha, Neto, Fernandes, Leao – Cristiano Ronaldo
- Croatia: Livakovic – Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol – Modric, Kovacic, Vlasic, Sucic, Perisic – Budimir
Recent Results
Portugal opened their World Cup campaign with a surprising draw against DR Congo. They then cruised to a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan before being held to another disappointing goalless draw against Colombia. Croatia began the tournament with a 4-2 defeat to England but bounced back with consecutive wins, beating Panama 1-0 and Ghana 2-1.
Portugal – Last Matches
28.06.2026 – Colombia 0:0 Portugal (FIFA World Cup)
23.06.2026 – Portugal 5:0 Uzbekistan (FIFA World Cup)
17.06.2026 – Portugal 1:1 DR Congo (FIFA World Cup)
10.06.2026 – Portugal 2:1 Nigeria (Friendly)
06.06.2026 – Portugal 2:1 Chile (Friendly)
Croatia – Last Matches
27.06.2026 – Croatia 2:1 Ghana (FIFA World Cup)
24.06.2026 – Panama 0:1 Croatia (FIFA World Cup)
17.06.2026 – England 4:2 Croatia (FIFA World Cup)
07.06.2026 – Croatia 2:1 Slovenia (Friendly)
02.06.2026 – Croatia 0:2 Belgium (Friendly)
Portugal vs Croatia at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Preview
An exit in the Round of 32 would be a major disappointment for either side, yet one of them will see their World Cup journey come to an end after this match. Portugal are widely regarded as favorites thanks to the superior quality of their squad. Controlling the midfield is likely to be the key factor in deciding the outcome.
Broadcast Information
Portugal take on Croatia on Thursday, July 2, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (USA) / 12:00 AM BST (UK, Friday, July 3). Broadcast availability depends on your country. You can find the official list of broadcasters on the FIFA website. The match will be refereed by Espen Eskas of Norway.