Joao Felix ‘very confident’ Portugal will beat Croatia at World Cup

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Joao Felix called for calm ahead of Portugal’s clash with Croatia in the last 32 of the World Cup, saying he is “very confident” his team will be victorious. 

Portugal take on Croatia at Toronto Stadium after finishing second in Group K following a goalless draw with Colombia in their final match of the first phase. 

Croatia advanced from Group L in second place after snatching a late win against Ghana last time out. 

The Selecao have lost just one of their 10 matches against Croatia across all competitions (W7 D2), whilst they are unbeaten in competitive matches against the nation, winning five of their six encounters (D1).

Portugal are also unbeaten in all three of their matches at the World Cup (W1 D2), though they have only gone 4+ games without defeat across a single campaign twice before, doing so in 1966 (four), and 2006 (five).

Roberto Martinez’s side are among the favourites to win the tournament, with the Opta supercomputer assigning them a 16% chance of winning the World Cup for the first time. 

Portugal were expected to top the group but drew with Colombia and DR Congo, though Joao Felix said they should not read too deeply into those results. 

“They [Portuguese fans] should rest assured,” Joao Felix said on Monday. “Just because we drew two games doesn’t mean we’re any less confident.

“It’s the World Cup. Everyone just needs to stay calm. We’re very confident that we’ll beat Croatia.”

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 29, 2026

Joao Felix was included in Portugal’s 26-man squad after an impressive debut season with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, who were crowned champions in 2025-26. 

The 26-year-old registered 33 league goal involvements (20 goals, 13 assists), with only Julian Quinones (37) and Ivan Toney (39) managing more. 

After disappointing spells at Chelsea and AC Milan, Joao Felix feels back to his best and is ready to help his team in their quest for World Cup glory. 

“This has been a very important year in my career,” he added. “I feel confident and ready to help the team.

“Without a doubt I feel more mature. It was an incredible year. I’m coming in more confident than ever.”

Joao Felix has, of course, played a full season alongside Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the first player to score in six World Cups. 

Ronaldo is set to play his ninth World Cup knockout match, having failed to score in any of his previous eight.

He has attempted 29 shots in the knockout stages of the competition without scoring, the joint-most of any player on record (since 1966) along with Brazil’s Roberto Carlos.

The 41-year-old’s performances and amount of minutes have been criticised by Portugal supporters, though Joao Felix believes his selection is more than justified. 

“A year of playing together is a long time,” Joao Felix said. “You get to know your team-mate well. You come to understand what he needs and what he likes.

“I think we make a good duo – he knows where I like to receive the ball, and vice versa. He’s an asset wherever he plays.”

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