Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are one step closer to their dream of winning a first-ever FIFA World Cup after defeating Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 32 of the 2026 tournament.
The victory keeps Portugal’s hopes alive and sets up one of the most anticipated matches of the knockout stage—a Round of 16 showdown against neighboring rivals Spain. With a place in the quarterfinals at stake, Portugal must navigate a difficult path that features several of the world’s top national teams if Ronaldo is to lift the World Cup trophy for the first time.
Portugal’s next match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Portugal will face Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday, July 6.
Spain reached the last 16 after a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria, creating a blockbuster Iberian rivalry in the knockout stage. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals and move two wins away from the World Cup final.
Portugal’s potential path to the World Cup final
If Portugal defeats Spain, Cristiano Ronaldo’s side would continue through the following knockout rounds:
Round of 16
- Opponent: Spain
- Date: Monday, July 6
Quarterfinal
If Portugal advances, it will face the winner of:
- United States vs. Belgium
The quarterfinal is scheduled for Friday, July 10.
Semifinal
Should Portugal win its quarterfinal, it would meet one of the following teams:
- France
- Paraguay
- Canada
- Morocco
The semifinal will be played on Tuesday, July 14.
Final
If Portugal continues its winning run, it will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19.
Its opponent would come from the opposite side of the bracket, which includes teams such as:
- Brazil
- England
- Argentina
- Mexico
- Norway
- Switzerland
- The winners of Australia vs. Egypt and Colombia vs. Ghana
Cristiano Ronaldo chasing history
The 2026 FIFA World Cup could mark Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Already one of the most decorated players in football history, Ronaldo has won league titles in England, Spain and Italy, along with multiple UEFA Champions League trophies and the UEFA European Championship with Portugal. However, the FIFA World Cup remains the one major international title missing from his remarkable career.
Winning the tournament would also give Portugal its first-ever FIFA World Cup championship.
Can Portugal win the 2026 World Cup?
Portugal possesses one of the tournament’s most talented squads, but its route to the final is among the most difficult remaining in the competition.
A Round of 16 clash with Spain is followed by a possible quarterfinal against either the United States or Belgium and a potential semifinal featuring France, Canada, Morocco or Paraguay.
Should Portugal overcome those challenges, Ronaldo and his teammates would earn a place in the World Cup final, where one final victory would secure both the nation’s first World Cup title and one of the greatest achievements of Ronaldo’s legendary career.