Two greats of world football go head-to-head as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal take on Luka Modric’s Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 – and you can stream the match live around the world for free.
At 41, this is surely the last chance for CR7 to win the biggest prize in world football. Finishing second behind Colombia in Group K after a 0-0 draw made this goal trickier, however, which could result in a tougher knockout tie. Portugal face a potentially tricky match against Croatia in Toronto, as Roberto Martinez’s men travel north of the border for the first time this tournament. Ronaldo was again quiet against Colombia and must return to the form which allowed him to score a brace in the 5-0 defeat of Uzbekistan.
Croatia have fond memories of Toronto after beating Panama 1-0 here in their second Group L match, before defeating Ghana 2-1 to clinch second place. Semi-finalists four years ago and vice-champions in 2018, the Vatreni will approach this clash with conviction. They are managed by their own old golden, Modric, 40, who shared a dressing room with Ronaldo for six seasons at Real Madrid. The duo have 47 World Cup appearances between them and are one of four men to have more than 200 international caps. But one way or another, this will surely be the last World Cup appearance for one of these two legendary figures.
So read on as we show you exactly how to watch Portugal vs Croatia for free from anywhere during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
How to watch Portugal vs Croatia for free
Portugal vs Croatia is available for free in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Abroad? Having trouble accessing your free stream? Unlock your free World Cup stream with NortonVPN – more on this below.
Use a VPN to watch Portugal vs Croatia live streams
It’s the World Cup, and if you travel, you might discover your Portugal vs Croatia The feed is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, this is exactly where a VPN can help you. A Virtual Private Network lets you connect to servers around the world so you can securely access your usual World Cup coverage as if you were at home.
We recommend NortonVPN. Here’s why:
How to watch Portugal vs Croatia in the United States
American viewers can watch Portugal vs Croatia on Fox And Teleworld (Spanish communication).
You can watch every World Cup match on Fox, FS1 and Telemundo, available on cord cutters like YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (certain markets), Fubo Or DirectTV.
Those looking for a streaming service can instead watch Portugal vs Croatia on Fox One (3-day free trial). Telemundo is available via Peacock Also.
Visiting the USA from the UK? You can still watch your World Cup streaming for free thanks to Norton VPN (try for 60 days).
How to watch Portugal vs Croatia in the UK
UK customers are lucky because they can stream Portugal vs Croatia for free on BBC. Live coverage is enabled BBC One And BBC iPlayer.
You need a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (eg SE1 7PB).
NortonVPN can unblock your stream if you’re abroad today.
How to watch Portugal vs Croatia in Australia
Portugal vs Croatia will be broadcast for free in Australia on SBS on demand.
The streaming platform offers every match of the tournament for free, making it the perfect place to watch the World Cup.
Are you traveling for work or on vacation? A VPN like NortonVPN can help you unlock your free stream.
How to watch Portugal vs Croatia in Canada
In Canada, TSN and free channel Connected TV will broadcast Portugal vs Croatia.
You can stream live via the TSN+ streaming platform, which costs CA$8 per month or CA$80 per year.
CTV will need the TV provider’s login information for you to watch online for free.
Outside of Canada? To use NortonVPN while you travel away from home to unblock your feed.
Portugal vs Croatia: match information
What time does Portugal vs Croatia start?
Portugal vs Croatia will begin at 00:00 BST / 09:00 AEST on Friday July 3. It will be 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 2 in the United States.
Who are the teams for Portugal against Croatia?
Portugal
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), José Sa (Wolves), Rui Silva (Sporting), Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi).
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (Paris St-Germain), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomas Araujo (Benfica).
Midfield: Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (Paris St-Germain), Vitinha (Paris St-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City).
Advantages: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Joao Felix (Al-Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (Paris St-Germain).
Croatia
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Dominik Kotarski (Copenhagen), Ivor Pandur (Hull City).
Defenders: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Duje Caleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Sutalo (Ajax Amsterdam), Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina), Martin Erlic (Midtjylland), Luka Vuskovic (Hamburg).
Midfield: Luka Modric (AC Milan), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad), Martin Baturina (Como), Kristijan Jakic (Augsburg), Petar Sucic (Inter Milan), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Toni Fruk (Rijeka).
Advantages: Ivan Perisic (PSV Eindhoven), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marco Pasalic (Orlando City), Petar Musa (Dallas), Igor Matanovic (Freiburg).
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Scene |
Portugal |
Croatia |
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Group stage |
Group K: 2nd, 5 points |
Group L: 2nd, 6 points |
Can I watch Portugal vs Croatia on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters offer streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through your phone’s browser.
You can also stay up to date with all the key moments from the World Cup on the official social channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
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