Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team have arrived in Toronto for a FIFA World Cup Round of 32 elimination match against Croatia, scheduled for Thursday at BMO Field. The aging superstar, now 41, declared on his X account on Tuesday, "Toronto, estamos prontos" ("Toronto, we are ready"), signaling the start of a highly anticipated visit that will include a training session at Centennial Park in Etobicoke on Wednesday evening.
Ronaldo's Final World Cup?
With Portugal finishing second in their group behind Colombia, the team faces a do-or-die contest. A loss would likely mark the end of Ronaldo's international career, adding immense emotional weight to the fixture. Ronaldo is the only player to have scored at six different World Cup editions, a feat he achieved by netting against Uzbekistan in group play. However, he has yet to score in a World Cup elimination game, making Thursday a potential milestone moment.
Despite his age, Ronaldo remains a potent threat. He led Portugal in scoring during qualifying with five goals in six matches and still possesses the finishing ability and positioning that have defined his career. While he has lost some pace, his knack for finding space and his lingering prowess make him dangerous.
A Star-Studded Opponent
Croatia, led by 40-year-old captain Luka Modric, is also expected to see the end of his international career after this tournament. The match therefore features two all-time greats potentially playing their final World Cup games. Croatia's passionate fan base, particularly the Southern Ontario Croatian community, will add to the electric atmosphere.
The contest ranks as the most enticing of the 13 matches played in Canada during the tournament. FIFA rankings place Portugal 8th and Croatia 13th, but the passionate fan bases and the star power of Ronaldo and Modric elevate the spectacle. The global television audience is expected to reach hundreds of millions, making it the most-watched sporting event ever on Canadian soil.
Ronaldo's Toronto History
This will be Ronaldo's second appearance at BMO Field. In 2009, shortly after moving to Real Madrid, he played a friendly against Toronto FC, scoring a first-half goal and being substituted in the 62nd minute to a standing ovation. Real Madrid won 5-1. Toronto FC reportedly paid a $1 million US appearance fee and laid natural grass over the artificial turf for the match.
Ticket Prices Soar
Demand for tickets has driven prices to extraordinary levels. Secondary market reports indicate premium seats fetching up to $30,000, with the cheapest available around $2,600. On Seatgeek, numerous options were listed in the $2,400 range. The match, played on a steamy Thursday evening by Lake Ontario, promises a spectacular scene.
Toronto's Little Portugal and Croatian communities are expected to create a vibrant, carnival-like atmosphere, adding to what has been a magical summer for soccer in the city, following Lionel Messi's visit with Inter Miami in May.
