Portugal face a huge test in their bid for a first World Cup crown when they meet Croatia at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, in the round of 32.
The Selecao progressed from Group K as runners-up, finishing two points behind Colombia, while the Vatreni also advanced after placing second in Group L, one point behind England.
Roberto Martinez's men began their 2026 World Cup with a disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo after creating little in attack, finishing with just 0.65 expected goals compared to the Leopards' 0.87.
Portugal responded in style on matchday two by thrashing Uzbekistan 5-0, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice, before settling for a goalless draw against Colombia after facing 24 shots and managing only 13 of their own.
Second place has handed Martinez's side what appears to be the tougher side of the draw, with Euro 2024 champions Spain potential round of 16 opponents.
Meanwhile, Croatia have established themselves as one of the World Cup's most consistent performers after finishing runners-up in 2018 and third in Qatar four years later, with another deep run firmly in their sights.
After opening their campaign with a 4-2 defeat to England, Zlatko Dalic's side recovered with a 1-0 victory over Panama on matchday two before edging past Ghana 2-1 in their final Group L fixture, where Luka Modric became the oldest player to register a World Cup assist after setting up Nikola Vlasic's winner in the 83rd minute.
Croatia have now won 11 of their last 16 matches in all competitions, however, a difficult challenge awaits the Checkered Ones against another one of the tournament favourites.
Team News
Croatia avoided any fresh injuries against Ghana, although Dalic could freshen up his starting XI ahead of the knockout stage.
Josko Gvardiol is expected to return at left-back after his surprise omission from the starting lineup against Ghana, allowing Ivan Perisic to move further forward on the left flank.
Modric should partner Mateo Kovacic in midfield, with Petar Sucic favourite to complete the trio after scoring against Ghana, while Vlasic has also strengthened his case for a start following his late winner.
Croatia possible starting lineup: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Sucic, Modric, Kovacic; Baturina, Budimir, Perisic
Portugal also emerged from the draw with Colombia without any fresh injury concerns, although Martinez could make changes after rotating his side throughout the group stage.
Joao Neves is expected to return to the starting lineup after beginning the opening two matches before making a substitute appearance against Colombia.
Ronaldo should once again spearhead the attack as the tournament's oldest outfield player looks to add to the two goals that made him the first footballer to score in six consecutive World Cup editions.
Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo are expected to line up in defence ahead of Diogo Costa, while Vitinha and Neves should operate in midfield behind Bruno Fernandes in the number 10 role.
Portugal possible starting lineup: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves; Neto, Fernandes, Felix; Ronaldo
Kick-off
US times : Thursday at 19:00 ET / 16:00 PT
UK time : Friday at 00:00 BST
East African Time : Friday at 02:00 a.m
Venue: BMO Field (Toronto Stadium), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
