World Cup fever engulfs Toronto for critical Ronaldo vs. Modric match - Global News
Toronto is experiencing significant excitement as it prepares to host its final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a highly anticipated encounter between Croatia and Portugal. This Round of 32 fixture pits two of global soccer’s most prominent figures, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, against each other. The match is scheduled to kick off around 7 p.m. at Toronto Stadium at Exhibition Place.
The selection of Croatia versus Portugal for Toronto’s concluding match of the tournament was determined by the results of the group stage. This pairing has generated considerable buzz, particularly given the strong cultural ties within the city. Toronto is home to a large Croatian community, and an even larger Portuguese population, which is expected to amplify the atmosphere surrounding the game.
A Clash of Icons in Toronto
The match holds particular significance as it is likely to be one of the last World Cup appearances for both Ronaldo and Modric. Modric, at 40 years old, is expected to find it challenging to participate in the next World Cup in 2030, while Ronaldo, a former Real Madrid star, is already 41. One of these two players, who were once teammates at Real Madrid, will likely play their final World Cup match in Toronto, with the losing team heading home from the tournament.
The prospect of witnessing these two international icons in what could be their farewell World Cup game has driven immense demand for tickets. Prices for seats have reportedly soared into the thousands. Ticket reseller StubHub listed seats ranging from $2,000 to nearly $9,000 per ticket, while SeatGeek showed prices between $2,000 and $6,000. Both companies have been mentioned by the Ontario government regarding allegations of breaking rules that prohibit selling tickets above face value, though no fines have been issued.
The high demand is evident on FIFA‘s official resale marketplace, where the Croatia–Portugal match was the only Round of 32 game without any available tickets. Fans like Adrian Zekusic, a Croatia supporter, view the opportunity to see these two soccer titans in what could be their final World Cup as a unique and invaluable experience. He described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” that cannot be truly priced.
The arrival of Ronaldo in Toronto on Wednesday drew thousands of fans outside the hotel where Team Portugal is staying, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the star. This level of excitement underscores the importance of the match for local soccer enthusiasts. Sunny Pathak of Newpath Sports and Entertainment noted the “meteoric rise” in ticket prices and the immediate increase in demand outweighing supply.
Logistics and What Comes Next
To accommodate the large crowds expected for the match, road closures and parking restrictions will be implemented in the downtown area around the stadium. Increased public transit and bike share options are also being made available to facilitate access for attendees. The winner of this highly anticipated match will advance to the Round of 16, where they will face either Spain or Austria.
This will be the first time the Portugal national team plays in Toronto against Croatia. While this marks a new encounter for the national teams in the city, Ronaldo has previously played at Toronto Stadium. In 2009, after joining Real Madrid, he participated in a pre-season international friendly match against Toronto FC at BMO Field on August 9. That game saw Real Madrid, featuring players like Kaká, Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso, and Raúl, achieve a 5-1 victory over the home team.
The current tournament holds particular weight for Ronaldo, who has stated that this World Cup would “definitely” be his last. He recently became the first soccer player to score in six different World Cups during Portugal‘s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan last Tuesday. Similarly, Croatia‘s captain, Luka Modrić, is reportedly considering the end of his international career, making a loss for either side a significant moment in their respective careers.
The match on Thursday night represents the culmination of Toronto’s hosting duties for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Source: globalnews.ca
