Gonçalo Ramos sends Portugal into World Cup last 16 with dramatic stoppage-time winner

Portugal booked their place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in dramatic fashion on Thursday night, with Gonçalo Ramos scoring a 94th-minute winner to complete a 2-1 comeback against Croatia in Toronto.

The victory sets up an eagerly anticipated Iberian derby against Spain on Monday in Arlington, Texas, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Croatia looked to be on course for victory after veteran winger Ivan Perišić gave the 2018 runners-up the lead in the 53rd minute.

But Portugal hit back midway through the second half when Cristiano Ronaldo calmly converted a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Renato Veiga.

The goal was another landmark in Ronaldo’s extraordinary career, becoming the 41-year-old’s first-ever goal in the knockout stages of a World Cup and making him the oldest player to score in that phase of the tournament.

Just when extra time seemed inevitable, Rafael Leão burst down the left before delivering a low cross that Ramos – recently transferred from PSG to AC Milan for a whopping €65 million (plus €5 million in add-ons) – headed home in the fourth minute of stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations among the Portugal players and supporters.

Croatia thought they had rescued the match moments later when Joško Gvardiol found the net, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review after an offside was detected earlier in the move.

The decision ended Croatia’s hopes and secured Portugal’s passage into the round of 16 for the fifth time in nine World Cup appearances.

Eyes on the prize

Portugal’s best World Cup finish remains the third place achieved in 1966, while they finished fourth in 2006 and reached the quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago.

After the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo paid tribute to former Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident almost a year ago, by holding up a Portugal shirt bearing the Liverpool forward’s number 21.

Portugal will now face Spain on Monday in one of the standout ties of the last 16, with the winners advancing to the quarter-finals.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.