Portugal vs. Croatia Prediction: World Cup Picks & Best Bets (July 2)
Portugal might be the -134 favorite to beat Croatia (+400), but the path to the Round of 16 is anything but straightforward for Roberto Martinez's squad. My Portugal vs. Croatia prediction examines why Thursday's game at BMO Field in Toronto will be a close match between two World Cup-savvy teams.
My World Cup best bets also analyze why Cristiano Ronaldo will be a difference-maker for Portugal against Croatia. The action begins at 7 p.m. ET on FOX, Telemundo, and FOX One.
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⚽ Portugal vs. Croatia predictions: Pick to win & player prop bets
See all of our experts' soccer picks across the best World Cup betting sites.
| 💰 Best bets | 📊 Best odds | ⚖️ Wager (units) |
|---|---|---|
| Result at the end of 90 minutes: Draw | +260 via DraftKings | 0.5u -> 1.3u |
| To Advance: Portugal | -270 via DraftKings | 1u -> 0.37u |
| Under 2.5 goals | -138 via bet365 | 1.5u -> 1.09u |
⚽ Who will win Portugal vs. Croatia?
It won't be pretty, but Portugal should emerge victorious from Thursday's fixture. Portugal's attack hasn't been as productive as initially predicted, but it did come to life in a 5-0 thumping of Uzbekistan.
While the performance was encouraging, there are concerns over Portugal's ability to break down elite defenses after struggling to score against Colombia and DR Congo en route to a second-place finish in Group K.
Croatia, runners-up in Group L, represents a significant step up in class. With four of Croatia's last seven World Cup knockout-stage games ending in a draw, we're backing this game to finish similarly after 90 minutes. However, Portugal will find a way to advance.
Score prediction: Portugal 1, Croatia 1 (Portugal advances on penalties)
💵 My best bet: Under 2.5 goals (-138)
Both teams have shown flashes of promising attacking displays in the group stage. But now that the knockout stage is here, expect them to tighten up at the back to try to avoid costly mistakes.
Croatia would be wise to take a page out of Colombia's playbook by limiting space for Portugal's playmakers to operate in midfield. Croatia forced penalties in its first two knockout games in 2022, winning both matches, before getting knocked out by eventual winner Argentina in the semifinals.
🦶 Who will score in Portugal vs. Croatia?
Follow all of our expert soccer betting analysis for the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo, F, Portugal (+115)
He's not the same goal-scoring machine that he used to be, but Cristiano Ronaldo proved that he's still a difference-maker in Portugal's win over Uzbekistan after netting a pair of goals.
The +115 odds aren't great, but Ronaldo's the most likely player to score, considering that he's the focal point in attack, as well as Portugal's designated penalty taker. He's also a major threat on set-pieces, where his leaping abilities, even at age 41, give him a major edge over defenders.
Best Portugal vs. Croatia goal-scorer pick: Cristiano Ronaldo (+115 via FanDuel)
💰️ More Ronaldo predictions today
Our Philip Wood took a deeper dive into CR7's day and delivered to you his best Cristiano Ronaldo prop bets today
🥅 Will both teams score in Portugal vs. Croatia?
Portugal kept two clean sheets to close out the group stage, but we're backing Croatia to find the back of the net in a tight game where both teams trade goals.
Portugal has an elite attacking core that makes scoring look routine. But with Croatia set to control the tempo, there will be opportunities for coach Zlatko Dalic to test Portugal's goalkeeper.
Both teams to score (BTTS) pick: Yes (-106 via bet365)
💡 How to bet on both teams to score (BTTS)
Our soccer expert Jeremy Vernon broke down how to bet BTTS at the World Cup with a full history and statistical analysis of the popular prop betting market across more than 7,000 matches.
📊 Portugal vs. Croatia odds
We're tracking the latest World Cup odds and favorites to win this year's tournament.
📺 How to watch Portugal vs. Croatia
- Date: Thursday, July 2
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: BMO Field (Toronto)
- TV/Streaming: FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
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