Portugal commemorates Diogo Jota ahead of World Cup round of 16 against Croatia

At Liverpool, Jota wore the number 20, which has been withdrawn from circulation since his accident. The striker was part of the Portuguese squad that won the Nations League under coach Roberto Martinez. Martinez said: "We won the Nations League with him. Because everything we started in this team began with him".

According to the coach, the Portuguese team enters the tournament with mixed feelings. Martinez added: "And we want to win the World Cup for him." At this tournament, "every day is difficult" for his team. He added: "Because in every training session there are moments when Diogo Jota is in our memories again."

Planned memorial action at the stadium

Fans also plan to display banners with Jota's name and images during the match. The action is also being called for on social media. According to organizers, the Portuguese Embassy in Toronto is supporting the initiative.

Martinez also recently spoke personally about the upcoming first anniversary of Jota's death. "I don't want to say that the first anniversary will be particularly difficult" – the team wants to focus on the tournament, he said.

The Portuguese Football Federation had ordered a nationwide mourning flag immediately after Jota's death and hung a jersey with his name and number at its headquarters. Liverpool FC also commemorated its former striker with a minute's silence.

Outlook on the round of 16

The round of 16 match in Toronto will be Portugal's first major fixture since the attacker's death. Croatia goes into the match as the unbeaten group winner after a strong preliminary round. Portugal reached the round of 16 as the second-placed team in a group with Brazil and Morocco.

Stadium operators in Toronto deployed additional stewards to coordinate the Portuguese fans' memorial action. Stewards from the Croatian fan block also signaled support for the action.

After the match, the Portuguese delegation will lay a wreath at the stadium gate – the same place where deceased athletes are otherwise honored. The action is part of a broader Portuguese initiative to promote Jota's legacy in youth football.

Martinez announced that the team would play the match "with the heart" and show a collective gesture toward the Portuguese fans after the final whistle.