FIFA explains why Croatia’s late equaliser against Portugal was disallowed

(Photo: FIFA)

Croatia’s dramatic exit from the FIFA World Cup has continued to generate debate after FIFA released an official explanation for the controversial decision to disallow Joško Gvardiol’s stoppage-time goal against Portugal.

Croatia were beaten 2-1 by Portugal in the Round of 32 after a dramatic match which saw three Croatian goals ruled out. The biggest talking point came in the 104th minute of added time when Gvardiol appeared to have scored a dramatic equaliser.

Following widespread discussion over the decision, FIFA confirmed that the goal was correctly disallowed for offside based on data from Connected Ball Technology.

According to FIFA, sensors inside the official Adidas Trionda match ball detected contact from Croatia forward Igor Matanović during the attacking move before Gvardiol found the net.

“According to the data provided by Connected Ball Technology housed within the Adidas Trionda, the official match ball of the FIFA World Cup, it was proven that contact was made by Croatia’s No. 20 Igor Matanović in the build-up to the goal against Portugal, allowing the referee to correctly determine offside and disallow the goal,” FIFA said.

The governing body added that the ball’s built-in IMU sensors are capable of detecting even the slightest touch. The information is displayed during broadcasts through a “heartbeat” graphic and provides match officials with additional data to assist VAR in making quick and accurate decisions.

The decision has sparked significant reaction among football fans, particularly on social media, where FIFA’s explanation attracted thousands of comments.

According to the data provided by Connected Ball Technology housed within the @adidasfootball Trionda, the official match ball of the @FIFAWorldCup, it was proven that contact was made by Croatia’s #20 Igor Matanović in the build up to the goal against Portugal, allowing the… pic.twitter.com/AyBz11N3wV

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) July 3, 2026

Following the match, Croatia captain Luka Modrić admitted it was difficult to accept the outcome, saying Croatia deserved more after an impressive second-half performance.

“We played a phenomenal second half, one of our better performances. We could have finished the game earlier but didn’t take our chances. Then some things happened that are difficult to understand,” Modrić said.

Asked about the disallowed goal, Modrić said the players had reviewed the footage but could not see Matanović making contact with the ball.

“The referee said he touched the ball, but we’ve watched the videos and we can’t see any contact. If he didn’t touch it, then it isn’t offside,” Modrić said.

The 40-year-old midfielder also questioned the use of VAR in the match, particularly the penalty awarded to Portugal, saying he believes the technology should only intervene in cases of “clear and obvious” errors.

When asked about his future with the Croatian national team following what was his 202nd international appearance, Modrić suggested an announcement could be imminent.

“Now isn’t the time to talk about that. You’ll know very soon,” he said.

If confirmed, the defeat in Toronto could mark the end of one of the greatest international careers in Croatian football history.