Cristiano Ronaldo has had a goal disallowed for offside during Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 clash against Croatia in Toronto.
The decision proved a significant moment in the match, denying Portugal what would have been an equalising strike from their talismanic forward.
Ronaldo, who has been one of the most talked-about figures at this summer’s tournament, saw his effort correctly flagged as the officials applied the offside rule.
The match in Toronto is one of several World Cup fixtures being played across North American host cities as the 2026 tournament continues to gather momentum.
Portugal entered the round of 32 as one of the more fancied European sides in the competition, with expectations high given the quality throughout their squad.
Croatia, meanwhile, have a well-established reputation for performing at major tournaments and showed here that they remain a difficult side to break down.
The disallowed goal added further drama to what was already shaping up to be a tense and closely contested knockout tie between the two nations.
Ronaldo’s influence on the Portuguese national team remains as prominent as ever, and moments like this only serve to heighten the pressure on the veteran forward.
Offside calls at this level are now subject to detailed VAR scrutiny, meaning there is little margin for error when lines are drawn and decisions are reviewed.
The fixture represents a major test for both sides, with the winners advancing deeper into a World Cup that has captured the attention of football fans across the globe.
Portugal and Croatia have a history of competitive encounters on the international stage, and this latest meeting looked set to deliver yet another memorable chapter.
With so much at stake in the knockout rounds, every decision carries enormous weight, and this disallowed goal could yet prove to be a defining moment in the tie.
