Ronaldo and Modrić will meet in the World Cup 2026 playoffs…
The last dance of two legends - Ronaldo and Modrić meet in Toronto
Portugal and Croatia will play a Round of 16 match in Toronto, possibly the final World Cup match for both icons. Ronaldo has scored more goals in the tournament than any other player over the age of 30.
Portugal and Croatia will meet in the Round of 16 in a World Cup 2026 match in Toronto that could be the last tournament for both Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić. Ronaldo has scored more goals in World Cup tournaments than any player over 30 in the history of the tournament. In his most recent World Cup 2022, he scored two goals, even though Portugal's games already ended in the first group.
For Croatia, Modrić has been the most important player in the tournament, and his last World Cup match may come at this point. Both have said that they are thinking about ending their careers in the next few years, which increases the drama of the match. The Portuguese team also includes younger star Bruno Fernandes, but Ronaldo remains the team's leading figure.
Croatia, on the other hand, have largely built their game around Modrić, and his playing time has been limited in recent matches. Younger players like Rafael Leão and António Silva have emerged in Portugal, but Ronaldo remains the symbol of the team. The international football world is eagerly awaiting the match as it could be the last time these two legendary players meet at the World Cup level.
Both have said that they are considering ending their careers in the next few years. Croatia's head coach Zlatko Dalić has emphasized the importance of the match for his team and hinted that Modrić's playing time will be evaluated on a match-by-match basis. Portugal's head coach Roberto Martínez has stated that Ronaldo is still an important part of the team and that his role will be considered even after the match.
2026 will be the first time the tournament will expand to 48 teams, bringing new challenges for both Portugal and Croatia. Both countries will have to adjust to longer match days and tougher competition, which could affect tactical choices in the playoffs. In addition, the match is placed in a historical context, where the knockout games of the World Cup tournament have often defined new greatness.
In the past ten years, only three teams managed to win the tournament via the playoffs without prior playoff success. Because of this, the winner of the match has the opportunity to write new history in a moment where two icons fight for the last significant victory. The international media has already focused on the match, as it offers the opportunity to watch two of the best players from different eras in the same match.
Both Ronaldo and Modrić have been central to the headlines in recent weeks, which speaks to the expected importance of the match. With the expansion of the tournament, more new countries will participate in the playoff phase, which increases uncertainty and surprises. Portugal and Croatia have the background for success, but the 48-team format means that even the traditional powerhouses will struggle due to tougher competition.
This can lead to tactical changes, where an experienced player like Modrić or Ronaldo may have to use their playing time more carefully than before. Historically, the playoffs have often been where young players emerge. Now, as the tournament expands, the opportunities for new heroes grow even more.
Ronaldo and Modrić have been exceptions in their long careers, but after them, younger players like Leão, Silva or Kramarić can benefit from the situation where the time of the icons starts to pass. The international football world expects the match not only as a meeting of icons, but also as a turning point where the traditional football world meets a new era. The match could be the last major appearance for two players who have defined 21st century football, but it could also be a prelude to the rise of a younger generation. Read at Iltalehti Urheilu
Why this matters
This match is not just a football match, but a historic moment for the last dance of two of football's biggest icons at World Cup level. Ronaldo and Modrić have defined the heyday of 2000s football for more than a decade, and their clash in the knockout stages could be the last time they appear in the same tournament. It's not just about winning the match, it's about how two legends leave their mark on the sport's history – and pass on the responsibility to younger players. Time is on their side, but this match could be their final protest against the eternal longing for youth. In addition, the winner of the match has the opportunity to start a new story in the expanded format of the World Cup tournament, where the traditional big countries have to struggle with new challenges. The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams brings new dynamics that can change the nature of the game in the longer term.
Frequently asked
Why is this match so significant?
This is possibly the last World Cup match for either Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modrić. Both have been football's biggest icons for more than a decade, and their meeting in the playoffs will be a historic moment for the last dance of the two legends.
Where and when will the match be played?
The match will be played in Toronto in the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 stage. The exact date and time will be confirmed by FIFA later.
How many goals has Ronaldo scored in World Cup tournaments over the age of 30?
Ronaldo has scored more goals in World Cup tournaments over the age of 30 than any other player in the history of the tournament. This stat highlights his exceptional durability and efficiency.
How has Modrić been stellar for Croatia at the World Cup?
Modrić has been the most important player for Croatia in the tournament. He has led the team to success in several World Cups and played a key role in, among other things, the 2018 World Cup silver medal and the 2022 playoff spot.
Can the winner of the match become the new favorite to win the World Cup 2026?
The winner of the match has the opportunity to challenge the favorites to win the tournament. Both Portugal and Croatia have traditionally been strong teams, and a win could make them early favorites for the tournament, especially as the tournament expands to 48 teams.
How do the coaches feel about the importance of the match?
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić emphasizes the importance of the match for his team and hints that Modrić's playing time will be assessed on a match-by-match basis. Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez continues to see Ronaldo as an important part of the squad and stresses the importance of his experience supporting the younger players.
