Cristiano Ronaldo: This Portugal victory is for Diogo Jota and the people of Portugal.

Portugal advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after beating Croatia 2-1 at Toronto Stadium on Friday WIB. For Cristiano Ronaldo, this victory holds far deeper meaning than only securing qualification to the next tournament phase.

After the final whistle, Ronaldo posted an emotional message across his social media accounts. The Portugal captain emphasized that this Selecao das Quinas triumph does not belong solely to the playing squad - it is also a tribute to Diogo Jota and every citizen of Portugal.

Even though he is no longer with them, Jota remains an irreplaceable, inseparable part of the Portugal national team's journey.

"We won this for us, Diogo (Jota), and Portugal!!! On we go!!!!" Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on his official social media profile immediately following the match.

Ronaldo was instrumental in Portugal's win, netting the equalising goal from a penalty kick in the 68th minute. Just as the match appeared destined for extra time, Goncalo Ramos stepped up as the matchwinner with a decisive goal in the 90+4th minute.

This result sets up Portugal's Round of 16 fixture against Spain, scheduled for Tuesday 7 July WIB.

Ronaldo's goal also set a new historic benchmark. At 41 years old, the forward became the oldest player ever to score in a World Cup knockout stage match, breaking the previous record held by his long-time teammate and close friend Pepe.

Despite earning this personal career milestone, Ronaldo's focus remained fixed on Diogo Jota, who died aged 28 in a car accident in Spain on 3 July 2025.

Before his passing, Jota had recorded 14 goals from 49 senior international appearances for Portugal.

Tributes to Jota were felt strongly in the build-up to the Croatia match. As Portugal's national anthem played inside BMO Field Toronto, stadium screens displayed Jota's portrait as a formal mark of respect from the national squad.

This honour was first established when Portugal announced their 2026 World Cup squad. Even after his death, Jota's name was retained symbolically as an official "plus one" entry on Portugal's final tournament player list.

"The final squad contains 27 named players, plus one," Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez confirmed.

Martinez acknowledged that losing Jota was one of the most devastating moments the Portuguese national setup has ever faced. He instead called on the entire squad to carry Jota's work ethic and spirit as their driving motivation through the tournament.

"The spirit, the strength, the example that was Diogo Jota, our 'plus one'. He will be our plus one, forever," Martinez concluded.