Portugal face Croatia in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup amid an emotional atmosphere, as the match coincides with the first anniversary of the death of Diogo Jota, the Portugal and Liverpool striker. Players have affirmed that winning and advancing in the tournament represents an additional motivation to honour the memory of their late teammate.
The match takes place in Toronto in the early hours of Friday morning UAE time — the very day that marks one year since Jota's passing. He died at the age of 28 alongside his brother André Silva following a car accident in north-western Spain, after their vehicle veered off the road and burst into flames.
Since the start of the tournament, the Portugal squad has been careful to keep Jota's memory alive within the camp. Coach Roberto Martínez described him as "the light that guides our way" and granted him honorary membership of Portugal's World Cup squad.
Midfielder Rúben Neves has worn the No. 21 shirt that Jota carried with the national team, while Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro presented the players with bracelets bearing the late player's name, as part of initiatives to commemorate him throughout the team's tournament campaign.
Portugal's opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo was attended by Jota's parents, Isabel and Joaquim Silva, who were visibly moved during the tribute ceremony held before kick-off.
Defender Vitinha said the arrival of the first anniversary of Jota's death gives the players extra motivation ahead of the Croatia match, stating: "We have every reason to win — for our families, for Diogo Jota, and for all of Portugal."