This combination of pictures created on July 1, 2026, shows Portugal's forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo (L) in Miami Gardens on June 27, 2026; and Croatia's midfielder #10 Luka Modric (R) running with the ball in Zagreb on October 12, 2025. (Photo by Roberto Schmidt / AFP)
Doha, Qatar: Every FIFA World Cup creates new heroes, but it also signals the end of an era for others.
When Portugal and Croatia meet in the Round of 32, the spotlight will once again fall on Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric.
Two of football’s greatest players have defined a generation, and this could be the final World Cup match for one of them. The winner lives to fight another day. The loser may be saying goodbye to the tournament that shaped so many unforgettable memories.
For Ronaldo, the World Cup has been a journey spanning two decades. From his debut as a teenager in 2006 to becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups, the Portugal captain has continually rewritten football history.
Yet one prize has remained out of reach. Despite countless individual records and international success, lifting the World Cup trophy is the one achievement missing from an extraordinary career.
Modric’s World Cup story has been just as remarkable. The Croatian captain inspired his nation to the 2018 final, where he won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, before leading Croatia to another memorable campaign four years later. His composure, vision and leadership have made him the heartbeat of one of international football’s most consistent teams over the past decade.
Their rivalry now enters another chapter.
Portugal have enjoyed a solid group-stage campaign, finishing second in Group K after an opening draw with DR Congo, a victory over Uzbekistan and a goalless draw against group winners Colombia.
Croatia’s road to the knockout rounds was built on resilience. After opening with a defeat to England, Zlatko Dalic’s side bounced back with victories over Panama and Ghana to finish second in Group L.
Although Ronaldo and Modric remain the biggest names, both teams possess quality across the pitch.
Portugal’s attack has been driven by Rafael Leao’s pace, while Bruno Fernandes continues to pull the strings in midfield and Bernardo Silva provides creativity between the lines. At the back, Ruben Dias remains the leader of the defence.
Croatia, meanwhile, continue to draw inspiration from Modric, but they also possess exciting young talent. Josko Gvardiol anchors the defence alongside Josip Sutalo, while Mateo Kovacic provides energy and control in midfield. Ivan Perisic remains Croatia’s most experienced attacking threat.
History slightly favours Portugal in this fixture. The two nations have met several times in international competition, with Portugal winning most of those encounters. However, this will be the first time the sides have met at a FIFA World Cup.
The knockout stage often demands more than quality alone. Experience, patience and composure become just as important, and there are few players in world football who understand those moments better than Ronaldo and Modric.
When the final whistle blows, one nation will move a step closer to football’s greatest prize.
The other will head home, and with it may come the final World Cup appearance of either Ronaldo or Modric. Whatever the outcome, two of the game’s greatest are set to share the World Cup stage for one final time.
