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

By Sanjay Menon — 2 July 2026 — 3 min read

Ronaldo’s message to fans

Cristiano Ronaldo has appealed to Portugal supporters to generate a home-like atmosphere for the team’s upcoming FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Croatia. The fixture is set to be a significant challenge for Portugal as they face a Croatian side led by veteran midfielder Luka Modric, with a spot in the pre-quarterfinals at stake.

Ronaldo conveyed an emotional message on social media, urging fans to back the team in large 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 importance for Portugal, as it coincides with the first death anniversary of former striker Diogo Jota, who passed away in a road accident 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. This game could potentially be the final time these two prominent figures of 21st-century football share a pitch, having had careers that have intertwined as both opponents and teammates.

Ronaldo, at 41, and Modric, at 40, are expected to make their 232nd and 202nd appearances respectively for their national teams. Their shared dedication to international football is notable. Ronaldo had accumulated 29 caps when Modric made his debut for Croatia, and over two decades later, the gap in their international appearances has only widened by one, indicating their consistent presence for their countries.

Their paths first crossed during the 2008-09 season. Both Modric and Ronaldo played the entire Carling Cup final that season, where Manchester United defeated Tottenham on penalties. They later met in the quarter-finals of the 2010-11 Champions League after Ronaldo’s move to Spain.

Real Madrid frequently prevailed in their encounters during the six seasons when both players represented the club. Together, they secured the Champions League title four times and reached the semi-finals in the other two campaigns. A memorable moment for the duo was Modric’s assist to Ronaldo, who scored to put Madrid 3-1 ahead against Juventus in the 2017 Champions League final. This was one of 222 matches in which they shared the pitch, making Modric the central midfielder with whom Ronaldo has played most frequently.

Portugal’s World Cup journey

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

Ronaldo also played a key role in Portugal’s victory over Uzbekistan, scoring twice as his team secured their first win of the tournament. These two goals made him Portugal’s all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 10 goals, surpassing the previous record held by Portuguese legend Eusebio.

Portugal entered the tournament under pressure after being held to a draw by DR Congo in their opening game. However, their convincing win against Uzbekistan helped to revive their campaign and boost confidence ahead of the critical knockout match against Croatia.

The match between Portugal and Croatia will be held in Toronto.

Source: theguardian.com