(Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. Photo Credit: Sporting Life Ng)
Portugal’s Round of 32 clash against Croatia on Wednesday could mark Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modric’s final appearance at the FIFA World Cup, with the blockbuster encounter set to take place at the tournament’s smallest venue.
The 43,036-capacity Toronto Stadium will host the knockout fixture, offering an intimate setting for what could be one of the defining matches of the 2026 World Cup.
Despite being the smallest stadium used at the tournament, the venue has won widespread praise after hosting five sold-out group-stage matches featuring electric atmospheres.
Ahead of the World Cup, the home of Major League Soccer side Toronto FC underwent a C$158 million ($111.4 million) renovation to increase its capacity in order to meet FIFA requirements.
Supporter James Cuthbert, who attended both the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and this year’s tournament in Canada, said the transformation had elevated the stadium to world-class standards.
He described it as feeling different, noting that it now feels more like a world-class stadium, remarks he made after attending Senegal’s group-stage match against Iraq.
Although seated at the back of the upper tier, he said he was impressed by the view and the atmosphere, describing the experience as amazing despite being in the highest seats, and noting that being so close to everything still gave it that same World Cup feel.
Mexico’s iconic Estadio Azteca remains one of football’s most historic venues, having witnessed Pele lift the World Cup and Diego Maradona produce his famous “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” moments in 1986.
Toronto Stadium may not yet boast such a rich World Cup history, but it has already produced memorable scenes, including Croatia captain Luka Modric’s emotional celebration of his 200th international appearance following his side’s victory over Panama.
