Portugal vs Croatia Predicted Lineups for World Cup Round of 32
Portugal and Croatia meet at BMO Field in Toronto in a high-stakes World Cup Round of 32 tie, with both sides coming through their groups in competitive fashion. Portugal finished 2nd in Group K with 5 points from 3 games, scoring 6 and conceding just 1, while Croatia also took 2nd place in Group L with 6 points, netting 5 and conceding 5. With knockout football now underway, predicted lineups take on extra importance as one mistake in selection or structure can end a campaign.
Portugal arrive with an unbeaten group record (1 win, 2 draws) and a strong goal difference of +5, suggesting a balanced side capable of controlling games and limiting chances at the back. Their form string of DWD underlines how difficult they have been to beat. Croatia, meanwhile, posted a more volatile LWW run in the group stage, showing both their capacity to concede and their ability to respond with wins when it matters. This clash looks finely poised, and any edge in the starting lineup or tactical setup could be decisive.
Head-to-head history in recent years has generally leaned towards Portugal, but Croatia have taken notable results of their own. With that context, this World Cup Round of 32 fixture is set up as a tactical chess match where the expected starting lineup choices for both managers will be scrutinised closely before kick-off.
Portugal Team News & Expected Lineups Today
No significant absences reported. With no injuries or suspensions listed, Portugal’s coach is expected to have his full 26-man World Cup squad available. That gives him the flexibility to stick with the core that carried them through Group K while making small tweaks for the specific threats posed by Croatia.
Portugal’s World Cup campaign so far has been built on defensive solidity and efficient attacking phases. Conceding only once in three group matches, combined with a strong attacking return of six goals, points to a side comfortable controlling territory and tempo. Based on their form and typical usage, an attacking-minded shape with a clear lone striker, creative midfielders between the lines, and adventurous full-backs looks the most likely approach in the expected lineup.
Portugal Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup
Predicted Starting XI:
GK: Diogo Costa
DF: João Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes
MF: Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, João Neves
FW: Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão
This predicted lineup leans heavily on Portugal’s technical superiority in midfield and wide areas. Diogo Costa is the clear first choice in goal, supported by a back line with strong ball-playing ability. João Cancelo and Nuno Mendes are both comfortable stepping high, giving Portugal width and allowing them to pin Croatia’s wide players back. Rúben Dias anchors the defence with Diogo Dalot, giving a mix of aggression and composure in the back four.
In midfield, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva are expected to be the creative hub, drifting into pockets between Croatia’s lines to dictate the tempo and create overloads. Vitinha and João Neves add control and press resistance, helping Portugal maintain possession and recycle the ball quickly when attacks break down. Up front, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the focal point, likely occupying central defenders and attacking crosses, while Rafael Leão offers pace and direct running from the left channel, stretching Croatia’s back line and opening spaces for late runs from midfield.
Croatia Team News & Expected Lineups Today
No significant absences reported. Croatia also appear to have a full squad available, with no players listed as missing or questionable. That gives their coach the option to adjust between a more conservative structure and a bolder attacking setup, depending on how he wants to confront Portugal’s strengths.
Croatia’s form line of WWL in the group stage shows they can both score and concede, with 5 goals for and 5 against across three games. Their lineups have alternated between different tactical shapes, but the core identity remains: a technically strong midfield built around experienced operators, supported by versatile forwards who can drift into half-spaces. With lineups today likely to be shaped by the need to contain Portugal’s creative midfielders, expect a compact, disciplined block out of possession and controlled, patient build-up when they have the ball.
Croatia Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup
Predicted Starting XI:
GK: D. Livakovic
DF: J. Gvardiol, D. Caleta-Car, M. Pongracic, J. Sutalo
MF: L. Modric, M. Kovacic, N. Vlasic, Mario Pasalic, L. Sucic
FW: A. Kramaric
D. Livakovic is the logical pick in goal, given his experience at major tournaments. In defence, J. Gvardiol is the standout figure, capable of operating both centrally and on the left, with D. Caleta-Car, M. Pongracic, and J. Sutalo providing aerial strength and physical presence. This back line is built to handle crosses and direct play, but will be tested by Portugal’s movement and combination play around the box.
The midfield is where Croatia will look to match Portugal technically. L. Modric and M. Kovacic provide control, press resistance, and line-breaking passes from deeper areas. N. Vlasic and Mario Pasalic can operate between the lines, offering late runs into the box and support for the lone striker. L. Sucic adds another creative dimension, capable of drifting wide or coming inside to link play. Up front, A. Kramaric leads the line, expected to drop into pockets, combine with midfield runners, and exploit any space behind Portugal’s advanced full-backs. This predicted lineup is designed to keep Croatia competitive in central areas while still carrying a threat in transition.
Injuries and Suspended Players Impact
With both teams reporting no significant absences, this Round of 32 tie should be decided by tactical choices and execution rather than enforced changes. The lack of injuries or suspensions means both coaches can lean on their strongest elevens and adjust in-game with full benches available.
Portugal Absences:
- No significant absences reported.
Croatia Absences:
- No significant absences reported.
Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Match Up
This matchup is likely to be defined by the battle in midfield and the ability of each side to control the tempo. Portugal’s recent World Cup record, with 6 goals scored and only 1 conceded in the group stage, suggests a team comfortable both pressing high and defending in a compact shape when required. Their attacking metrics across recent games highlight strong early-game scoring – with a significant share of goals coming in the first 30 minutes – which aligns with an aggressive, front-foot approach from the predicted starting lineup.
Croatia, by contrast, have seen more open games, with 5 goals scored and 5 conceded in their group. Their goals have tended to arrive around the end of the first half and early in the second, reflecting their capacity to grow into matches and exploit opponents as spaces open up. The predicted Croatia lineup, built around Modric and Kovacic, is well equipped to manage possession phases and slow Portugal’s momentum. However, their defensive record suggests they can be exposed by quick combinations and direct running, which suits the profiles of Rafael Leão and Portugal’s attacking full-backs. Expect Croatia to be cautious early, then gradually commit more numbers forward if the game remains level, while Portugal look to strike first and then lean on their strong defensive record.
Match Prediction and Verdict
Stats suggest a finely balanced contest with a notable edge towards Portugal. The prediction model gives Portugal a 45% chance of winning in regular time, the draw also at 45%, and Croatia at 10%. The overall comparison indices lean towards Portugal as well, with a higher overall comparison index and a strong defensive index advantage. The Poisson index is similarly tilted towards Portugal, indicating they are more likely to generate the better quality chances over 90 minutes.
Pre-match odds from major bookmakers also support Portugal as clear favourites. Home win odds range roughly from 1.73 to 1.81, implying an approximate probability band of about 55–58%. Draw odds sit between around 3.12 and 3.66 (roughly 27–32% implied), while away win prices range from about 4.15 up to 5.24 (around 19–24% implied). Combined with Portugal’s stronger defensive metrics and unbeaten group campaign, the verdict leans towards Portugal progressing, though extra time cannot be ruled out given the high draw probability.
Predicted Outcome: Portugal 0 Croatia
How to Watch Portugal vs Croatia Worldwide
Here is how you can watch the match and see the official lineups today live:
- Spain: To be confirmed by local broadcasters
- UK: To be confirmed by domestic rights holders
- USA / North America: To be confirmed by regional sports networks or streaming platforms
- South America: To be confirmed by continental broadcasters
- MENA: To be confirmed by regional sports channels
