Introduction

After Portugal’s dramatic triumph over Croatia in the round of 32, coach Roberto Martinez turned his attention to the city that hosted the match. Speaking at Toronto Stadium, he lauded the local crowd, the quality of the pitch and the city’s welcoming spirit, while expressing disappointment that no further World Cup games were scheduled in Toronto.

Body

Martinez, who arrived in Canada for the first time, said the organizers and everyone involved in Toronto’s football scene deserved congratulations. He highlighted the “incredible” welcome his team received, the “fantastic” training session on the day before the match, and the “fantastic” quality of the grass. The Portuguese side, led by megastar Cristiano Ronaldo, secured a dramatic comeback win, sending fans into a frenzy on the highway and outside the team’s hotel.

The match held special meaning for Croatia, as 40‑year‑old captain Luka Modrić likely played his last World Cup. Despite the loss, Croatian manager Zlatko Dalic praised the support of the fans, noting how football can connect people and bring pride. Martinez echoed this sentiment, describing the stadium as reminiscent of a classic Premier League ground and calling the overall experience a “wonderful field.”

Toronto’s stadium, the smallest of the 16 venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even after adding temporary stands, still offered an intimate setting. Martinez lamented that the city would not host additional matches, saying, “It’s a shame there are no more games here in Toronto because we really enjoyed it.” He contrasted this with other Canadian cities that will host later‑stage games, such as Vancouver, which is slated for a round‑of‑16 tie, and the fact that quarterfinals and beyond will be held exclusively in the United States.

Conclusion

Martinez’s comments shed light on the enthusiasm surrounding Toronto’s World Cup venue and the desire for more high‑profile matches in Canada. While Portugal celebrates its knockout victory, the coach’s words underscore a broader conversation about how future tournaments allocate games among host cities, ensuring that passionate fans across the nation can share in the excitement of the world’s biggest sport.