'An incredible coincidence': Portugal reach last 16 on anniversary of Jota's death — Ronaldo speaks

Portugal secured their place in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, with Cristiano Ronaldo dedicating the win to the late Diogo Jota and calling the timing "an incredible coincidence."

Ronaldo dedicated Portugal's victory — which sent the team into the last 16 of the 2026 North America World Cup — to Jota, who died exactly one year earlier.

Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in the round of 32 at Toronto Stadium in Canada on Thursday local time, clinching their spot in the next round.

The win carried special weight because it came precisely one year after Jota's death. The match kicked off at 7 p.m. local time Thursday in Canada — midnight Friday in Portugal, the exact anniversary of Jota's passing on July 3 last year.

Jota died on July 3, 2025, in a car crash in northwestern Spain. He and his brother were in a sports car when a tire blew out as they overtook another vehicle, sending the car off the road and into flames. Neither survived. Jota was a Liverpool player at the time and had been preparing to travel to England for preseason training.

Speaking after the final whistle, Ronaldo said, "It's one of life's coincidences. I can't believe it. We all knew before the game what this day meant. We talked about that coincidence." He gave the interview wearing the No. 21 jersey — Jota's number.

Ronaldo also posted a team photo on social media with the message: "We won for us, for Diogo, for Portugal!"

Ruben Neves, who now wears No. 21 for the Portuguese national team, also paid his respects. During the national anthem, he kissed a wristband bearing Jota's name. When a photo of Jota appeared on the stadium's big screen, the crowd erupted in cheers. Neves and Jota were close friends.

Fans joined in the tribute as well. When the clock ticked past the 21st minute, supporters rose from their seats and unfurled banners bearing Jota's image.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said the moment showed "what Diogo meant to this team," adding: "We have a responsibility for Diogo. We will keep doing that."