Why are Portugal not wearing red against Croatia? World Cup rule explained

Need to know

1. Kit clash: Portugal will not wear their traditional red home jersey because it clashes with Croatia’s iconic red-and-white checkered home shirt. To avoid severe visual confusion on the pitch, one of the teams must structurally switch to its change kit
2. Strict regulations: Per FIFA guidelines, opposing teams must wear kits that provide a clear, distinct contrast for the benefit of match officials, television viewers and fans. Because red is a dominant colour feature in both countries’ primary kits, Portugal will step out in their light-coloured away kit instead.
3. Venue: This highly anticipated round-of-32 match will take place at the Toronto Stadium in Canada. Both nations travelled to Ontario after finishing second in their groups.
4. Kick-off time: The match is due to kick off at 7pm local time on Thursday, July 2. That’s midnight in the UK and 1am for most of mainland Europe.
5. Recent meetings: Their most recent competitive meeting occurred during the 2024-25 Nations League, which saw Portugal secure a 2–1 victory in Lisbon before a 1-1 draw in Split. The sides met at Euro 2016, where an extra-time goal from Ricardo Quaresma in the last-16 sent Portugal through before they went on to lift the trophy.
6. Portugal team news: Cristiano Ronaldo has played every minute of this World Cup so far. Expect that run to continue, with boss Roberto Martinez seemingly reluctant to give him a rest. Martinez has rotated elsewhere and Joao Neves could return to the starting XI after coming off the bench against Colombia. Otherwise, there are no fresh injuries in the camp.
7. Croatia team news: Another legendary veteran, Luka Modric, 40, will be pressed into action again, having played 58 minutes against England, 81 minutes against Panama and the full 90 versus Ghana. He is set to line up in midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic. Josko Gvardiol could be recalled at left-back after the Manchester City defender was a surprise omission against Ghana.
8. TV channel: BBC One will show the game, with coverage getting underway at 11.30pm. The match can also be streamed live on iPlayer, while BBC Five Live and talkSPORT will provide radio commentary.
9. READ MORE: Five storylines and six players that could dominate the World Cup knockout stages

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