Ronaldo honors the late Jota after Portugal's dramatic victory over Croatia

The Sporting Background

Roberto Martinez said before the match: „Wir haben mit ihm die Nations League gewonnen. Und wir wollen für ihn die WM gewinnen". After the final whistle, the coach emphasized the team's bond with the deceased player. Portugal had previously hesitated after a 0-0 in regular time before Ronaldo equalized with a penalty in the 68th minute following Croatia's goal by Ivan Perisic (53rd).

Portugal's Round of 16 match went down in federation history for several reasons: the advancement to the Round of 16, Ronaldo's personal record, and finally the tribute to the former national team player who died in 2025. „Wir alle hatten das Gefühl, dass er bei uns ist, und es machte heute einfach Sinn, zu gewinnen, um ihm auf die beste Art und Weise zu gedenken", was reported from the Portuguese camp. In front of 43,036 spectators in Toronto, the player, described as 41 years old, contributed a decisive part to the emotional victory.

Austrian captain faces uncertain future

In the other matches of the day, Spain clearly defeated Austria 3-0. It was Austria's first World Cup appearance since 1998, and following the defeat, David Alaba left his future with the ÖFB team open. „Ich habe mir überhaupt keine Gedanken gemacht um meine Zukunft, auch auf Klub-Ebene um meine Zukunft. Und dann mache ich mir natürlich Gedanken", said the FC Bayern Munich professional. He would „erstmal diesen bitteren Moment verarbeiten müssen" – how things will continue for the 34-year-old is unclear.

Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon set a World Cup record in the match against Austria. He surpassed Italian Walter Zenga, who went 517 minutes without conceding a goal between the opening match and the semifinal at the 1990 home World Cup. With the victory over Austria, Simon extended his personal shutout streak and broke the old record.

Record and controversy for Belgium

In Seattle, Belgium and Senegal played a spectacular match, which the Red Devils won 3-2. After falling behind 0-2, Belgium fought back and reached extra time through two late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans. Rudi Garcia, who had said at the sideline immediately after the thrilling 3-2 win: „Wir kennen solche Mannschaften: Gegen Ende des Spiels verlieren sie ihre taktische Struktur", subsequently faced criticism. Garcia then clarified on „X": „Meine Kommentare richteten sich keinesfalls an afrikanische Mannschaften; sie hätten genauso gut auf asiatische, südamerikanische oder europäische Teams zutreffen können, die mit solch einem Druck nicht vertraut sind."

The major tournament in North America

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The ball rolls in June: over 38 days, the new world champion will be crowned. For the first time, there will be twelve preliminary round groups with 48 teams, making it the largest tournament in the history of world football. The knockout stage has begun with the Round of 32 matches, and already the matches are producing numerous historic moments – both sporting and human.