Portugal’s Ronaldo calls for fan support ahead of Croatia World Cup clash

By Arjun Nair / 02.07.2026

By Arjun Nair — 2 July 2026 — 3 min read

Ronaldo’s Message to Fans

Cristiano Ronaldo has appealed to Portugal supporters to generate a home-like environment for the team’s upcoming FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Croatia. The fixture is set to be a challenging encounter, with Croatia led by veteran midfielder Luka Modric, as both teams vie for a spot in the pre-quarterfinals.

Ahead of the match, Ronaldo conveyed an emotional message on Instagram, urging fans to back the team in significant numbers. He posted a picture featuring a holding hands emoji and the Portugal flag, accompanied by the message, “Facam-nos sentir em casa,” which translates to “make us feel at home.”

The match also holds emotional significance for Portugal, as it coincides with the first death anniversary of former striker Diogo Jota, who passed away last year.

Ronaldo and Modric Reunion

The upcoming match in Toronto will mark the fifth international meeting between Ronaldo and Modric. Portugal has emerged victorious in their previous four international encounters. The game is anticipated to be a memorable event, potentially marking one of the final times these prominent figures of 21st-century football share a pitch.

Ronaldo, at 41, and Modric, at 40, are expected to make their 232nd and 202nd appearances for their respective countries. Their careers have frequently intersected, both as opponents and teammates. Their dedication to international football has been consistent, with both players consistently answering calls from their national teams over more than 20 years.

Their paths first crossed during the 2008-09 season, notably in the Carling Cup final where Manchester United, with Ronaldo, defeated Tottenham, featuring Modric, on penalties. They later met in the quarter-finals of the 2010-11 Champions League after Ronaldo had moved to Spain.

During their six seasons together at Real Madrid, they achieved significant success, winning the Champions League four times and reaching the semi-finals in the other two campaigns. A notable shared moment occurred in the 2017 Champions League final, where Modric set up Ronaldo for a goal against Juventus, putting Madrid 3-1 ahead. This was one of 222 matches in which they shared the pitch, making Modric the central midfielder with whom Ronaldo has played most frequently.

Recent Team Performance and Milestones

Ronaldo recently achieved a significant milestone during Portugal’s group-stage campaign, making his 25th FIFA World Cup appearance. This achievement places him alongside German legend Lothar Matthaus for the second-most appearances in tournament history. Only Lionel Messi has more World Cup appearances, with 29.

Ronaldo also played a key role in Portugal’s victory over Uzbekistan, scoring twice to secure the team’s first win of the tournament. These two goals made him Portugal’s all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history, surpassing the record previously held by Eusebio.

Portugal entered the tournament under pressure after drawing their opening game against DR Congo. However, their convincing win against Uzbekistan helped revitalise their campaign and build confidence ahead of the crucial knockout match against Croatia, where Ronaldo and his teammates aim to continue their pursuit of World Cup success.

The match between Portugal and Croatia is scheduled for Friday.

Source: theguardian.com