Two giants of world football go head-to-head as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal take on Luka Modric’s Croatia in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup – and you can stream the match live around the world for free.
At 41, this is surely CR7’s last chance to lift world football’s biggest prize. However, finishing second to Colombia in Group K after a 0-0 draw has made that goal more difficult, potentially resulting in a more difficult knockout match. Portugal must negotiate a potentially awkward clash against Croatia in Toronto as Roberto Martinez’s men travel north of the border for the first time at this tournament. Ronaldo was quiet again against Colombia, and needs to find the form that provided a brace in the 5-0 destruction of Uzbekistan.
Croatia have fond memories of Toronto after beating Panama 1-0 here in their second Group L clash before overcoming Ghana 2-1 to grab second place. Semi-finalists four years ago, and runners-up in 2018, Vatreni will go into this clash full of belief. They are led by their own golden oldie, 40-year-old Modric, who shared a dressing room with Ronaldo for six seasons at Real Madrid. The duo have 47 World Cup caps between them and are two of only four men to have more than 200 caps. But one way or another, this will surely be a final 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 in FIFA World Cup 2026.
How to watch Portugal vs Croatia for free
Portugal vs Croatia is available to watch for free in several countries, including the UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Abroad? Can’t access your free stream? Unblock your free World Cup stream with Norton VPN – more on that below.
Use a VPN to watch Portugal vs Croatia live streams
It’s the World Cup, and if you’re out and about, you might spot your usual Portugal vs Croatia stream is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, this is exactly where a VPN can help. A virtual private network lets you connect to servers around the world, so you can safely access your usual VM coverage as if you were back at home.
We recommend Norton VPN. Here’s why:
How to watch Portugal vs Croatia in the USA
American viewers can watch Portugal vs Croatia on Fox and Telemundo (Spanish communication).
You can watch all World Cup games on Fox, FS1 and Telemundo, which are available on cord cutters such as YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (selected markets), Fubo or DirecTV.
Those looking for a streaming service instead can watch Portugal vs Croatia Fox One (3-day free trial). Telemundo is available via Peacock likewise.
Visiting the US from the UK? You can still watch your WC stream for free thanks Norton VPN (Try for 60 days).
How to watch Portugal vs Croatia in the UK
UK customers are in luck as they can stream Portugal vs Croatia free on BBC. Live coverage is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
You require a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (eg SE1 7PB).
Norton VPN can unlock your stream if you are abroad today.
How to watch Portugal vs Croatia in Australia
Portugal vs Croatia will be shown for free in Australia on SBS On Demand.
The streaming platform has every game in the tournament for free, making it the perfect place for your World Cup viewing.
Are you traveling for work or on holiday? A VPN that Norton VPN can help unlock your free stream.
How to watch Portugal vs Croatia in Canada
In Canada, TSN and free channel CTV will broadcast Portugal vs Croatia.
You can stream live via TSN+ streaming platform, which costs $80 per month or $80 per year.
CTV will require the TV provider’s login information, which you can watch online for free.
Outside of Canada? Use Norton VPN while traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
Portugal vs Croatia: Match Information
When does Portugal vs Croatia start?
Portugal vs Croatia starts at 12pm BST / 9am AEST Friday 3 July. It is at 7:00 PM ET Thursday, July 2nd in the US.
What are the squads for Portugal vs Croatia?
Portugal
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose 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).
Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (Paris St-Germain), Vitinha (Paris St-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City).
Extenders: 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 (Central Jutland), Luka Vuskovic (Hamburg).
Midfielders: 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 (Rije).
Extenders: 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 phase |
Group K: 2nd, 5 points |
Group L: 2nd, 6 points |
Can I watch Portugal vs Croatia on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access via mobile apps or via your phone’s browser.
You can also stay up to date with all the World Cup highlights on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
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