Iconic footballer arrives in Mississauga for key World Cup match in Toronto

Global soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has played a match in Toronto before, but not with this much on the line.

Ronaldo, 41, and his teammates on Portugal touched down at Toronto Pearson Airport in Mississauga on Wednesday evening, some 24 hours before they were scheduled to take on Croatia in a FIFA World Cup round of 32 knockout contest at Toronto Stadium.

Game time is 7 p.m. Thursday with the winner moving on to the round of 16. It’s the final 2026 World Cup match to take place in Toronto.

Ronaldo, widely regarded as among the greatest players in the sport’s history and the best-ever Portuguese player, was 24 years old when he played his only other game in Toronto. He and his Real Madrid teammates defeated Toronto FC 5-1 in an exhibition match on Aug. 7, 2009.

During his storied career, Ronaldo has won 35 trophies — including five UEFA Champions Leagues — as one of the most decorated players in the history of professional soccer.

Some arrivals are just a little more iconic. ✈️⁰⁰Welcome to Toronto, Cristiano Ronaldo. 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/1b2YZkzLDC

— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) July 1, 2026

However, Portugal’s captain has yet to win a FIFA World Cup title, though he holds numerous tournament records including becoming the first player to score a goal in six different World Cups.

In total, Ronaldo has netted 10 goals in World Cup play, including a four-goal showing at the 2018 tournament in Russia. He has two goals so far at the 2026 competition.

Fans expected to turn out in droves

Despite a stifling heat wave and some event cancellations, fans in Toronto are expected to turn out in droves tonight to watch Portugal take on Croatia.

It could possibly be the final World Cup match of Ronaldo’s legendary career, and videos posted to social media show hundreds of fans waiting outside the team’s hotel and practice site in Toronto yesterday to catch a glimpse of the soccer star.

More fans are expected to come to Toronto in waves for the city’s last match, despite an extreme weather forecast.

A heat warning is in place for Toronto, with the humidity at kickoff expected to make it feel like 42 C. A strong thunderstorm is also possible.

— With files from The Canadian Press

Cristiano Ronaldo waves to fans Wednesday at Toronto Pearson Airport in Mississauga. (Photo: Toronto Pearson Airport X)

No keeping this excitement on the sidelines. ⚽🔥⁰⁰With Team Portugal 🇵🇹 and Team Croatia 🇭🇷 set to take the stage for the final game in Toronto, fans of both teams have their game faces on in the terminals today. pic.twitter.com/XAno33aB03

— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) July 2, 2026