FIFA Explains Disallowed Croatia Goal in World Cup Match Against Portugal

In a recent FIFA World Cup 2026 match, Croatia's last-minute equalizer against Portugal was disallowed due to a minimal touch detected by Connected Ball Technology. FIFA explained that the touch by Igor Matanovic confirmed an offside violation, preserving Portugal's 2-1 victory. This decision has sparked discussions about the technology's impact on officiating in football. Read on to discover how this advanced technology played a crucial role in the match's outcome.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 3, 2026, 23:47 IST

FIFA's Ruling on Croatia's Disallowed Goal

Toronto [Canada], July 3: FIFA has clarified the reason behind the disqualification of Croatia's last-minute equalizer against Portugal during their Round of 32 match in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The organization disclosed that the Connected Ball Technology identified a minimal touch by striker Igor Matanovic in the lead-up to the goal, which allowed officials to confirm an offside violation and maintain Portugal's 2-1 win.

Portugal secured their advancement when Goncalo Ramos scored a header, putting them ahead 2-1 in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Croatia, however, thought they had equalized nine minutes later when Josko Gvardiol scored, igniting celebrations among their fans.

Initially, the goal was allowed since it seemed Matanovic had not touched Ivan Perisic's cross before Mario Pasalic got involved. However, referee Espen Eskas was directed to review the situation at the pitchside monitor after the Connected Ball Technology indicated a slight contact from Matanovic, reportedly as minor as a brush against his hair.

As reported by Goal.com, this contact was not visible in the television replays, yet it was crucial. The touch indicated that Pasalic had received the ball while in an offside position before assisting Gvardiol, leading to the goal's cancellation and ending Croatia's chances for a comeback.

Post-match, FIFA released a statement on X, detailing the decision. The governing body explained that the sensor embedded in the official Adidas Trionda match ball detected Matanovic's touch, providing objective data that supported the VAR review and confirmed the offside.

FIFA stated, “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 Matanovic in the build-up to the goal against Portugal, allowing the referee to correctly determine offside and disallow the goal,” in a post on X.

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

“IMU sensors within the Trionda ball can detect even the slightest contact, which is shown to viewers as a 'heartbeat graphic' during broadcasts, providing officials with an unprecedented level of data for making quick and accurate decisions,” the statement added.

The ruling was based on FIFA's Connected Ball Technology, which identified the faint touch by Igor Matanovic during the play. Although the contact was too subtle to be seen by the naked eye or captured clearly in standard television replays, the embedded sensor in the ball produced precise data that allowed VAR officials to confirm the touch and accurately rule an offside offense.