Who is the referee for Portugal vs Croatia?

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 21: Referee Espen Eskas looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Pimentel/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Luka Modric's Croatia will face Portugal for a place in the last 16 at the World Cup (Image credit: Getty Images)

Croatia and Portugal are set to face one another in Toronto this evening for a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

It will be the final game held in the Canadian city and it could also be the final World Cup match for one of football's veterans with one of Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo heading out tonight.

Here's who will be in charge of this evening's game.

Experienced Norwegian official to take charge

Luka Modric of Croatia applauds the supporters at full-time following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium.

Norwegian referee Espen Eskas will take charge of Portugal vs Croatia (Image credit: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Norwegian official Espen Eskas is set to take charge of this huge match, making his second appearance on the pitch at the tournament.

Previously, he took charge of Uruguay's draw against Cape Verde.

Leverkusen, Germany - January 28: referee Espen Eskas gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Villarreal CF at BayArena

Espen Eskas refereed Uruguay vs Cape Verde at the World Cup (Image credit: Getty Images)

However, he has also been involved in other matches, including Scotland's 3-0 group stage defeat to Brazil that ultimately knocked them out of the tournament.

Eskas was on fourth official duties for that particular match.

The 37-year-old official is actually younger than both Ronaldo and Modric but has already featured in plenty of high profile matches.

While he predominantly referees in Norway's top tier, he has also featured in Champions League games and worked as a fourth official at the 2024 Euros.

He will be joined for tonight's match by his compatriots Jan Erik Engan and Isaak Bashevkin. The pair will be assisting from the touchlines.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 17: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Congo DR at Houston Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Houston, United States. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

The game could be Cristiano Ronaldo's last at a World Cup if Portugal lose (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Norwegians will be joined by a South African pair in the shape of fourth official Abongile Tom and Zakhele Siwela.

The game will kick off at midnight UK time and will be shown live on BBC One.

Portugal won one of their three group stage matches to reach the final 32, while Croatia beat both Panama and Ghana after losing 4-2 to England in their opening game.

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. 

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.