Coach Joao Félix has referred to as for calm forward of Portugal’s World Cup last-32 conflict with Croatia, saying he’s “very assured” his workforce will win.
Portugal resulted in a goalless draw with Colombia within the closing match of the primary part, ending in second place in Group Ok and can face Croatia at Toronto Stadium.
Croatia achieved a late victory of their final match in opposition to Ghana and superior from Group L in second place.
The Selecao have solely misplaced one out of 10 matches in opposition to Croatia in all competitions (W7 D2), however are undefeated in all competitions in opposition to Croatia, profitable 5 out of six matches (D1).
Portugal can also be undefeated in all three World Cups (W1 D2), however the one two occasions they’ve gone unbeaten in a single season for greater than 4 video games was in 1966 (4 video games) and 2006 (5 video games).
Roberto Martinez’s facet are among the many favorites to win the event, with the Opta supercomputer giving them a 16% probability of profitable their first World Cup.
Portugal had been anticipated to prime the group however drew with Colombia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, however coach Joao Felix mentioned the outcome shouldn’t be learn an excessive amount of into.
“I need them (Portuguese followers) to really feel secure,” Joao Félix mentioned on Monday. “Simply because we drew two video games doesn’t suggest we misplaced confidence.
“It is the World Cup now. We simply want everybody to remain calm. We’re very assured that we are going to beat Croatia.”
work. belief. The need to win. #VaydarPortugal | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/he4FItLAMY
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 29, 2026
Joao Félix joins Portugal’s 26-man squad after a powerful debut season with Al Nasr, who received the Saudi Skilled League championship within the 2025-26 season.
The 26-year-old has been concerned in 33 objectives within the league (20 objectives, 13 assists), with solely Julian Quinones (37 objectives) and Ivan Toni (39 objectives) scoring extra.
After disappointing performances with Chelsea and AC Milan, Joao Felix feels he’s again to his greatest and is able to assist his facet purpose for World Cup glory.
“This yr was an important yr in my profession,” he added. “I really feel assured and able to assist the workforce.
“I undoubtedly really feel extra mature. It has been a fantastic yr. I am coming right here extra assured than ever.”
Joao Félix, in fact, performed a full season alongside Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who grew to become the primary participant to attain in six World Cups.
Ronaldo will probably be enjoying in his ninth World Cup finals, however has failed to attain in his final eight video games.
He tried 29 photographs within the knockout levels of the event with out scoring, which is tied with Brazil’s Roberto Carlos for essentially the most of any participant on report (since 1966).
The 41-year-old’s performances and minutes have been criticized by Portuguese supporters, however Joao Félix believes his choice is greater than justified.
“One yr is a very long time to play collectively,” mentioned João Felix. “You get to know your teammate higher. You get to know what he wants and what he likes.
“I believe we’re a great mixture. He is aware of the place I’ll obtain the ball and vice versa. He is a beneficial asset wherever he performs.”
