Croatia fans litter Toronto Stadium pitch with garbage after controversial call

Toronto's knockout-stage game between Croatia and Portugal might have been one of the greatest games of the FIFA World Cup so far, though Croatian fans left with a sour taste in their mouths.

Deep into stoppage time, Croatian left back Joško Gvardiol put his foot on what seemed to be a deflected ball to knot the game at two.

It put the Croatian supporters into a frenzy, but after a lengthy video review, FIFA's video assistant referee (VAR) ruled the goal offside.

The referee's decision resulted in Croatia being knocked out of the tournament.

The Toronto Stadium field has been littered with garbage after the referee called off #croatia 102nd minute goal.

Insane.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/i0o3boNzAZ

— Marley Dickinson (@marleydickinson) July 3, 2026

With emotions already high, supporters began throwing water bottles, beer cans and other debris onto the pitch at Toronto Stadium.

The match was delayed for several minutes while stadium staff were forced to clear the field, but more objects continued to rain down from the stands. At one point, even a basket of fries, which could've been poutine, landed near the Portuguese goalkeepers' six-yard box.

For Toronto sports fans, it brought back memories of the Blue Jays' 2015 ALCS, when high-priced beer and hot dogs were thrown onto the field following a questionable deflected throw at home.

Croatia's frustration was understandable.

NO GOAL IN STOPPAGE TIME.

HEART BREAK FOR CROATIA #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/AXgA01tUBG

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 3, 2026

The disallowed goal in stoppage time was the third time the team had scored, only to have it ruled offside upon review. Another goal was waved off in the 79th minute, which would have given Croatia a 2-1 lead late in the match.

Instead, Portugal survived the late match antics. Gonçalo Ramos scored with a 94th-minute header to send Portugal into the Round of 16 to meet Spain.

Cristiano Ronaldo also found the back of the net with a penalty shot to open the scoring for Portugal.

He has now scored in both career matches he's played at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field).