Portugal and Croatia get set to lock horns in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup in the early hours of Friday morning.
After an underwhelming 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their World Cup opener, Portugal bounced back emphatically to defeat Uzbekistan 5-0 -- with Cristiano Ronaldo on hand to net a brace.
A goalless draw with Colombia in their penultimate Group K outing prevented Roberto Martinez's side from topping the standings however, and so they are now on the same side as the knocknout stage as Spain and France.
While Croatia's Group Stage displays weren't the most convincing, victories over Panama and Ghana saw them pick up six points -- which was enough to clinch second place in Group L behind England.
Martinez has made two changes to the Portugal side that were held by Colombia.
Joan Neves replaces Ruben Neves in midfield, while Rafael Leao comes in for Joao Felix on the left of attack.
Meanwhile, Zlatko Dalic has made no alterations to the Croatia XI that narrowly defeated Ghana 2-1.
Portugal XI
Diogo Costa, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Croatia XI
Dominik Livaković, Josip Stanišić, Josip Šutalo, Marin Pongračić, Ivan Perišić, Mateo Kovačić, Luka Modric, Nikola Vlašić, Petar Sučić, Martin Baturina, Ante Budimir.
