Croatia to File Official Complaint with FIFA Over Controversial Refereeing in World Cup Loss to Portugal

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has sent a formal letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino following their 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. According to RMC Sport, the federation believes Zlatko Dalić’s side was eliminated due to a series of disputed officiating decisions. The most contentious moment came when Josko Gvardiol’s goal was disallowed. The strike was overturned after the “connected ball” technology detected a touch from Igor Matanovic prior to the shot, prompting an offside call. Croatian officials insist the contact never happened and the sensors produced a false reading. Additionally, Croatia objects to the penalty awarded against them following a VAR review. The federation argues the referee should never have been advised to revisit that incident. HNS spokesman Tomislav Pacak confirmed the letter has been dispatched to Infantino, stating the grievances go beyond individual calls and target the overall VAR protocol. The federation also stressed that canceling Gvardiol’s goal contradicts both the laws and the spirit of the game.