Toronto is hosting its sixth and final game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup today with a historic matchup between Portugal and Croatia.
Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, has said this is “definitely” his last World Cup. Croatia’s Luka Modrić, 40, is also reportedly considering retirement.
- Extreme heat prompts Toronto to cancel FIFA watch party at Nathan Phillips Square
- Large fan crowds expected in sweltering Toronto for Portugal-Croatia World Cup match
- Watch tonight’s match LIVE on TSN.ca and the TSN App
That means today’s match could be the last time either soccer great touches a ball in their nation’s jersey. Portugal, ranked eighth globally by FIFA, is the favourite to win tonight’s contest. Croatia is ranked 13th.
CTV News Toronto and CP24 have live updates leading up to and following kickoff at 7 p.m. Follow along here:
7:06 p.m. - Fan Fest packed
Thousands have poured into the FIFA Fan Fest to watch the last game at Toronto Stadium and the only knockout match game the city is hosting.
Toronto is under an extreme heat event, but fans were finding ways to stay cool.
- Jessica Smith, weather anchor and video journalist, CTV News Toronto
7 p.m. - A spot in the round of 16 awaits
For the final time in this World Cup, all eyes are on Toronto Stadium as Portugal and Croatia are looking to advance to the Round of 16, where Spain awaits.
6:36 p.m. - Ronaldo gets cheers as he takes the pitch
Toronto Stadium erupted in cheers as Ronaldo stepped onto the pitch for pre-match warmups.
- Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
6:03 p.m. - Ronaldo in the starting lineup
Portugal has released its starting lineup and Ronaldo will be playing.
5:40 p.m. - Toronto resident excited to see Ronaldo play
Michael Santos says his family of five has been waiting for years to watch Portugal and Ronaldo play. He is hopeful that the team advances.
“First time seeing Portugal the national team, seeing Ronaldo for the first time. Feels great,” he says.
“We’re ecstatic. I feel like Toronto is the best place for Portugal to come play.”
- Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
5:31 p.m. - Croatia fans begin march
For the second time during this tournament, Croatia supporters wearing their team’s well-known red and white checkered jerseys are making their way to Toronto Stadium for the much-anticipated match.
- Bryann Aguilar, Journalist, CP24.com
5:26 p.m. - Portugal bus gets loud send-off
Huge crowds that have gathered outside the Portugal team’s hotel cheered as the bus left for the stadium.
- Bryann Aguilar, Journalist, CP24.com
5:17 p.m. - Toronto police seize two drones
Toronto police announced the seizure of two drones as fans continue their march toward Toronto Stadium.
Both drones were intercepted earlier this afternoon in the King Street West and Walnut Avenue area. The first drone was seized at 3:20 p.m. The second was seized at 4 p.m.
Two individuals have been charged under the Canadian Aviation Act.
These are the 22nd and 23rd drones to be seized by Toronto police since the start of the tournament.
- Joshua McGinnis, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
5:04 p.m. - Firefighters spraying fans with water
Firefighters are spraying fans with water as they make their way to the stadium. Two fire trucks are stationed along the route to the venue.
- Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
4:59 p.m. - Heat wave not stopping fans
The heat is sweltering outside the stadium, but it isn’t slowing anyone down. Thousands of Portugal supporters are pouring in as kickoff approaches.
The temperature is currently 34 C with a humidex of 43.
- Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
4:54 p.m. - Bylaw officers visits Portugal party
According to CP24 reporter Phil Perkins, the city’s bylaw officers came to Stanley Park to shut down the DJ. However, someone from the city called the officers off and “the party lives on.”
- Bryann Aguilar, Journalist, CP24.com
4:45 p.m. - Sights and sounds from Portugal march
4:33 p.m. - A sea of red and green
Excited Portugal fans have painted the streets of downtown Toronto green and red as they marched toward the stadium before tonight’s historic match.
- Bryann Aguilar, Journalist, CP24.com
4:20 p.m. - Police close roads around Portugal team hotel
Toronto police say Bremner Boulevard is closed between Lower Simcoe and York streets due to “high volume of pedestrian traffic.”
Grand Truck Crescent is also closed between Lower Simcoe Street and Bremner Boulevard.
Portugal supporters have been camping out of the hotel, hoping to get a glimpse of the players, especially Ronaldo.
- Bryann Aguilar, Journalist, CP24.com
4:10 p.m. - Portugal fans from Brantford to watch game at Fan Fest
Austin Demelo and Stef-Han Singh, who drove from Brantford, Ont., say they do not have tickets to the match but are able to get tickets for the Fan Fest.
“To watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s game in Toronto, it’s going to be insane,” Singh says.
Demelo booked today off from work. He says the vibes at the fan march are amazing.
“I’m sorry that I had to book the day off but I had to be here. I am not missing it,” he says.
- Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
4:05 p.m. - Portugal fans flood streets
The Portugal fan march has begun in Toronto. They are making their way from Stanley Park to Coronation Park.
Road closures are in effect on King Street West and Strachan Avenue during the march.
- Bryann Aguilar, Journalist, CP24.com
3:23 p.m. - Croatia supporters starting to gather
At Croatia House, which is located at the Toronto Event Centre, supporters have started to gather. There is music, food, drinks, and singing, and everyone is in a good mood.
Wanita Kelava with the Canadian Croatian Chamber of Commerce says fans will be bringing the energy to Toronto Stadium.
“We’re expecting to see a battle. I think that no matter which way this game ends, it’s going to be historic for both Croatia or for Portugal,” Kelava tells CTV News. “We’re here for it.”
- Bryann Aguilar, Journalist, CP24.com
3:02 p.m. - Watch parties in Little Portugal
If you can’t make it to Toronto Stadium or FIFA Fan Festival, some establishments in Little Portugal on Dundas Street West are showing the game.
- Bryann Aguilar, Journalist, CP24.com
2:45 p.m. - Some fans drove hours without tickets just to take in the atmosphere
Portugal fans Fabio and Nicholas don’t have tickets to tonight’s game. But that didn’t stop the father-son supporters from driving four hours from Leamington, Ont.
“We’re here for the vibes,” Fabio told CTV News Toronto on Thursday. “We’re here to see a victory of Portugal.”
Both fans predicted a score of 3-0 in Portugal’s favour, with Nicholas predicting the game will go to penalties.
“See, my son got hit in the head. I think we’re gonna win 3-nothing (in regulation),” joked Fabio.
- Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
2:30 p.m. - Swimbappe’s predictions are in
Toronto’s aquatic pundit has shared its prediction for the match between Portugal and Croatia.
In a video posted on social media, the brightly-coloured goldfish known as Swimbappe predicts that Portugal will advance to the Round of 16.
For the other two Thursday matches, the fish picks Spain to top Austria and Switzerland to beat Algeria.
- Bryann Aguilar, Journalist, CP24.com
2:15 p.m. – Portugal fans ready to flood Toronto streets
Thousands of Portugal supporters are expected to hit the streets of Toronto for a march ahead of tonight’s game.
Toronto police said the march will start at 4 p.m. and head south on Strachan Avenue and end at Coronation Park.
Road closures are in effect and motorists should expect delays in the area.
- Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
2:15 p.m. – Tips to beat the heat at Toronto Fan Fest
Organizers of the FIFA Toronto Fan Festival are offering attendees tips to beat the heat as the city’s heat wave continues.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a plastic water bottle to fill at water stations located throughout the space.
There will be misting stations at the Fort York Visitors Centre for fans to cool down at.
Guests should wear sunscreen as the UV Index for today is listed at 9, which is very high.
Medical staff is on site if needed.
- Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
2 p.m. - Road closures now in effect
The city has closed several major roads surrounding Toronto Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival ahead of tonight’s game.
Lake Shore Boulevard has been completely shut down from British Columbia Road to Bathurst Street. All streets between Lake Shore and the Gardiner Expressway from Dufferin to Bathurst are also closed.
Strachan Avenue and Dufferin Street are also closed.
The closures are expected to lift at midnight tonight.
- Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
1:45 p.m. - Portugal fans gathering in Stanley Park
The atmosphere is already building at Stanley Park, and kickoff is still hours away.
A few hundred Portugal supporters have gathered ahead of this afternoon’s official fan march to Toronto Stadium, which is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
Flags are waving, chants are echoing through the park and supporters have broken into songs as they count down the minutes until they take to the streets.
- Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
1 p.m. - Crowds gathering outside Team Portugal’s hotel
Toronto police say a “large crowd” has gathered outside the hotel where Team Portugal is staying.
In a post on social media, police said fans are on Bremner Boulevard, east of Lower Simcoe Street, hoping to spot Ronaldo and the Portuguese squad.
Police said the crowd is “spilling out into the roadway.”
Motorists should expected delays in the area.
- Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
12:45 p.m. – Toronto police issue drone warning
Police say 20 people have been charged for operating drones over Toronto Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival since the tournament started last month.
“Flying a drone over or near these areas is illegal. These restrictions help keep everyone safe. Keep the skies clear and finish the tournament strong, Toronto. Leave the drones at home,” police said in a post on X.
Police have said that the unauthorized flights could cause injuries, crashes, and put spectators below in danger.
“If these drones collide and fall on people, they can cause serious injuries,” Toronto police Staff Sgt. Arshad told CP24 earlier this week.
Police have said anyone caught flying an unauthorized drone in restricted areas could face charges under the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Transport Canada has authorized officers to enforce the regulations during the tournament.
Penalties can include fines, but police said criminal charges may also be laid if the circumstances are criminal in nature.
With files from Joshua McGinnis
- Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
12:30 p.m. – TTC says busy bus, streetcar routes will divert this afternoon
The TTC says that, starting at 1:30 p.m., some of the city’s busiest bus and streetcar routes will be diverted due to fan marches later this afternoon.
The 64 Ossington, 504 King, 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst routes are all affected.
“Customers should allow for extra travel time and download the Transit app for real-time updates,” the TTC said.
The Portugal and Croatia fan marches are scheduled to begin at 4 and 5 p.m., respectively.
- Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
12 p.m. - Canada to wear all-black kits vs. Morocco Saturday
Canada will wear their all-black kits for Saturday’s Round of 16 clash against Morocco, with the team hoping to find more success in the jerseys.
Canada has gone 2-0-0 wearing the kits so far at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, donning them for a 6-0 rout of Qatar in the group round and their historic 1-0 win over South Africa in the Round of 16.
Canada was held to a draw in their red kits in their World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina and suffered a 2-1 loss to Switzerland wearing their white kits.
The black kits have been the favoured choice of the Canadian players, who received a say in the jersey design.
“It just struck a chord with us and kind of connected almost the previous generation to this future generation,” defender Alistair Johnston said of the kits before the tournament.
10:30 a.m. - Odds that Ronaldo plays his final match in Toronto?
While the prospect of the legendary Ronaldo playing his final tournament match in Toronto is fascinating, the expectation is that his journey will continue through to the Round of 16.
Portugal is up to -300 to advance versus Croatia.
That number represents a 75 per cent implied chance.
For Ronaldo, today’s match versus Croatia could be his last on soccer’s biggest stage, but it’s also a chance to do something he’s never done before.
Ronaldo has never scored in seven career knockout matches on soccer’s biggest stage.
He is one of only three players to attempt at least 20 shots without scoring in the knockout stage since 1966.
Ronaldo has already made history as the second oldest player to score in tournament history.
At 41-years-old, he should be motivated to end his knockout stage drought versus Croatia today in Toronto.
What are the odds that Ronaldo scores for Portugal?
FanDuel has Ronaldo at -105 to score an anytime goal.
Ronaldo to score the first goal is +300.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Ronaldo is by far the most popular anytime goal scorer pick in tonight’s matches.
Per the FanDuel traders, Ronaldo has accounted for 81.3 per cent of the anytime goal stakes in his match.
However, Croatia has been a popular pick to pull off the upset at +225 to advance.
Per the FanDuel traders, 77.7 per cent of the bets and 62.2 per cent of the stakes are on Croatia to advance.
The majority of FanDuel bettors are banking on tonight marking Ronaldo’s final tournament match.
- Domenic Padula, Journalist, TSN.ca
10 a.m. - Ronaldo seen waving to fans from Toronto hotel balcony
Hundreds of fans were spotted in downtown Toronto Wednesday as Ronaldo and Portugal’s national team arrived.
Some lucky fans even caught a glimpse of the soccer superstar as he and other teammates waved to the crowds below from their hotel balcony.
Ronaldo and the Portugal squad were seen training at Etobicoke’s Centennial Park on Wednesday leading up to tonight’s game.
Last week, Ronaldo became the first soccer player in history to score in six World Cups, with Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan.
- Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
9:30 a.m. – Ronaldo returns to Toronto
While this is the first time Team Portugal has ever played in Toronto, Ronaldo has laced up his cleats in the city once before.
Ronaldo, who was signed with Real Madrid at the time, played an international pre-season friendly match at BMO Field against Toronto FC on August 7, 2009.
The visiting superstars, which also featured Kaká, Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso, and Raúl, beat the home team 5-1, but fans in attendance weren’t unhappy with the lopsided contest.
“Seeing him glide around the field and just the way the team moved the ball around, even in the open practice the day before, you could tell how much of a different level soccer is played at across the pond,” Adam Santamaria, a soccer fan from Toronto who attended the match, told CTV News.
Santamaria said he paid about $150 for a ticket, after saving up from his part time job at a nearby grocery store at the time.
This time around, he says Toronto is ready to see “that level of footy” from the Portuguese super star once again.
- Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
8:45 a.m. - Toronto cancels watch party at Nathan Phillips Square
The City of Toronto says the planned watch party at Nathan Phillips Square has been cancelled due to the weather forecast.
“We understand that this is disappointing for many, but the decision was made due to the extreme heat forecast & the demand on resources to ensure the safety of all,” the city wrote in a post on X.
At time of writing, the FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York and the Bentway is expected to be open, though it has closed previously during the tournament due to weather.
- Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
8:30 a.m. - Toronto could feel like 44 today with humidity
Thursday’s match takes place amid a multi-day heatwave, which could make it feel like 44 today with the humidity.
“It took a while, but the summer sizzle roared in this week. And it’s been intense,” CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter said. “Some of the hottest air we’ve seen in years will be challenging records and making life challenging for outdoor workers and those without air-conditioning.”
The temperature is expected to peak at 35 C at around 3 p.m. An orange-level heat warning from Environment Canada remains in effect.
Coulter explained that the “excessive heat and humidity” act as potential fuel for the development of storms and says there is a risk of downpours late this afternoon and evening.
“The models are showing the best risk is over the west GTA and southwestern Ontario. Watch for heavy downpours and frequent lighting for Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and Niagara.
- Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
8:15 a.m. - ‘It’s in our blood’: Toronto’s Portuguese community ready for kickoff
Anabela Taborda, chair of the Little Portugal Business Improvement Area, said she expects the city’s Little Portugal neighbourhood to be packed with fans during tonight’s game.
“I would expect that it will be really hard to drive through this area later on today,” she told CP24 on Thursday morning.
She said the sport is “really important” to people in Portugal.
“It is in our blood. It’s in our veins,” she added.
Toronto’s Little Portugal neighbourhood extends from College Street and Dundas Street West to the north, Dovercourt Road to the east, and the GO train tracks to the south and the west.
- Codi Wilson, Journalist, CP24.com
8 a.m. – Tickets sold out
Tickets for tonight’s game at Toronto Stadium are sold out on FIFA’s official websites.
Some passes are still available on resale websites, but the prices far exceed their initial face value of between $335 and $875.
On StubHub, the cheapest tickets on offer are going for $2,726. The most expensive seat is selling for $11,963.
On SeatGeek, the cheapest seat available is $2,365. The most expensive is $9,736. At one point, some tickets were selling for as much as $30,000 on SeatGeek.
Earlier this year, Ontario made it illegal to ban the reselling of tickets above face value.
Both SeatGeek and StubHub said in previously released statements that they continue to work with the government to implement the new legislation, despite difficulties in substantiating the original price that a user paid for tickets that they are selling.
Both sites were recently added to Ontario’s “Consumer Beware” website by the government over high ticket resale prices, an addition they said was unfair.
With files from Joshua Freeman
- Phil Tsekouras, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca
