World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal rule the streets of Toronto

Portugal’s dramatic World Cup Round of 32 victory over Croatia sparked jubilant scenes in Toronto on Thursday night as hundreds of fans gathered outside the team’s hotel to celebrate with Cristiano Ronaldo and the players.

Videos that have gone viral on social media show Portuguese fans filling the streets outside the team hotel, chanting, waving flags and singing late into the night after Roberto Martinez’s side booked their place in the round of 16.

The celebrations prompted Portugal’s players to come out of their hotel rooms and celebrate with fans from their balconies.

Ronaldo, joined by his Portugal team-mates, took to the balcony overlooking the crowd and began chanting as supporters below responded in unison. The players applauded the fans, waved Portuguese flags and soaked up the atmosphere, turning the area outside the hotel into a sea of ​​red and green.

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The celebrations came just hours after Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in one of the most dramatic matches of the round of 32.

Ronaldo, 41, scored the first goal of his career in the knockout stages of the World Cup from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after Ivan Perisic had given Croatia the lead. Goncalo Ramos then headed home the winner deep into stoppage time before Croatia thought they had forced extra time through Josko Guardiola, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

The victory kept alive Ronaldo’s pursuit of the only major trophy that has eluded him in his glittering career and set up a last-16 clash against Spain.

It was also an emotional night for Portugal, who played the day before the first anniversary of the death of striker Diogo Jota in a car accident. Ronaldo paid tribute with Jota’s number 21 shirt after the match, later posting on Instagram: “We won for us, Diogo and Portugal. Let’s go.”

Toronto, home to one of the largest Portuguese communities outside of Portugal, turned into a carnival after the final whistle as fans celebrated late into the night.

Judging by the scenes outside the team hotel, Portugal’s players were more than happy to join them.

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Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

03 Jul 2026 12:43 IST