Ramos's Stoppage-Time Header Seals Dramatic 2-1 Comeback for Portugal Against Croatia
Portugal's thrilling victory sets up a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash with European champions Spain, while Switzerland also advanced.
The story
Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia in a high-stakes Round of 32 match at Toronto Stadium. Croatia's Ivan Perišić opened the scoring in the 53rd minute with a back-post volley.
Portugal equalized in the 68th minute through a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, marking his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout stage match. The decisive moment arrived in the third minute of stoppage time (90+3'), when substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed home a Rafael Leao cross, sending Portugal into the Round of 16.
Earlier in the day, Switzerland advanced with a comfortable 2-0 win over Algeria in Vancouver, with goals from Breel Embolo in the 10th minute and Dan Ndoye in the 46th minute. Spain also progressed, dominating Austria 3-0 in Los Angeles, thanks to a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal (36', 89') and a goal from Pedro Porro (66').
Yesterday's results
Spain vs Austria
Score: 3-0
Key: Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice (36', 89') and Pedro Porro added another (66') in Los Angeles.
Portugal vs Croatia
Score: 2-1
Key: Gonçalo Ramos's 90+3' header completed a comeback after goals from Perišić (53') and Ronaldo (pen 68') in Toronto.
Switzerland vs Algeria
Score: 2-0
Key: Early goals from Breel Embolo (10') and Dan Ndoye (46') secured Switzerland's win in Vancouver.
Where it stands
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 continued with crucial matches on July 2nd, shaping the knockout bracket. Spain's dominant 3-0 victory over Austria means they will now face Portugal in the Round of 16, following Portugal's dramatic 2-1 win against Croatia.
Switzerland's 2-0 triumph over Algeria has booked them a spot in the next round, where they will meet the winner of the Colombia vs. Ghana fixture.
Many teams have already secured their places in the Round of 16, including Canada, Brazil, Paraguay, Morocco, Norway, France, Mexico, England, Belgium, and the United States. Two Round of 32 matches remain to determine the final two spots in the Round of 16.
Off the pitch
| Player | From | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elliot Anderson | Nottingham Forest | Manchester City | £116 million |
| Mateus Fernandes | West Ham United | Tottenham Hotspur | £85 million |
What we'll be watching
- Australia vs Egypt (Round of 32) on July 3rd at 7:00 PM ET in Arlington, USA
- Argentina vs Cape Verde (Round of 32) on July 3rd at 11:00 PM ET in Miami, USA
- Colombia vs Ghana (Round of 32) on July 3rd at 9:00 PM ET in Kansas City Stadium, USA
- Brazil vs Norway (Round of 16) on July 5th at 4:00 PM ET in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
- Mexico vs England (Round of 16) on July 5th at 8:00 PM ET in Mexico City, Mexico
- USA vs Belgium (Round of 16) on July 7th at 1:00 AM ET in Seattle, USA
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.