Portugal vs Croatia prediction as two of Europe's best players go head-to-head

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Portugal and Hungary in Lisbon
Cristiano Ronaldo will be hoping Portugal can get past Croatia tonight (Image credit: Getty Images)

One of Portugal or Croatia will be sent home from the World Cup this evening as the two sides go up against one another in the Round of 32.

The game will see former Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric facing off for a place in the last 16.

It promises to be a fascinating game, with both having indifferent group stages.

Portugal vs Croatia odds from BOYLE SPORTS

  • Portugal WIN - 8/13
  • Draw - 14/5
  • Croatia WIN - 15/4

Portugal vs Croatia predictions

Luka Modric #10 of Croatia leads his team out for warm ups before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Arlington, Texas.

Croatia will be hoping they can knock Portugal out of the World Cup (Image credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

The odds with the bookies definitely skew in favour of Portugal, but their performances so far this tournament haven't been at all convincing.

A trouncing of Uzbekistan aside, they drew 1-1 with DR Congo and should have been beaten by a profligate Colombia side who had 26 shots during the match.

Manager Roberto Martinez's insistence on sticking with Ronaldo up front has drawn criticism, with the veteran looking sluggish and ineffective, particularly against stronger opponents.

Meanwhile, Croatia recovered from their 4-2 defeat to England with wins against Panama and Ghana, albeit close fought ones.

This one looks like it could be much closer than the odds suggest and a Croatia win would be far from an upset. It could well take longer than 90 minutes to settle.

Score prediction: Portugal 1-1 Croatia, Portugal win on penalties

HOUSTON, UNITED STATES - 2026/06/17: Coach Roberto Martinez of Portugal seen during FIFA World Cup 2026 football match between Portugal and DR Congo at NRG Stadium (Houston). Final score; Portugal 1:1 DR Congo. (Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Roberto Martinez has been criticised for relying on Cristiano Ronaldo (Image credit: Getty Images)

How to watch Portugal vs Croatia

You can watch Portugal vs Croatia in the World Cup 2026 Round of 32 for free. All the information you need is in our how to watch guide.

The match will be broadcast live on BBC One in the UK, FOX in the United States and SBS in Australia.

What's your Portugal vs Croatia prediction? Let us know below...

Ryan Gray
Freelance Writer

Ryan Gray is a freelance writer, covering mainly travel and occasionally sport. He previously spent two years as Sports Editor at the Watford Observer before turning his hand to travel writing, with his work appearing in various national UK publications. He has gone from providing matchday commentary for Blyth Spartans to covering FA Cup and Euros finals, as well as interviewing the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Alan Shearer and Glenn Hoddle, among other big names. 

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