Portugal advanced to the last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Croatia in a chaotic World Cup encounter. In the 13th minute of stoppage time, with the match appearing headed to extra time, Josko Gvardiol scored what would have been an equalizer for Croatia, but the goal was overturned following a Video Assistant Referee review. Using microchip technology embedded in the match ball, officials determined that Igor Matanovic had made contact with the ball during the build-up play, placing the goal in an offside position.

The decision sparked considerable debate about the role of technology in modern football. Croatia's manager criticised the broader pattern of refereeing decisions, arguing that VAR diminishes the emotional experience of the sport. Portugal's coach defended the call as technically accurate based on sensor data. The outcome effectively ended Luka Modric's World Cup career at age 40, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo, who had scored his first World Cup knockout goal earlier in the match, progressed further in the tournament.