Portugal coach says it's a shame Toronto won't host another FIFA World Cup match

Toronto Stadium has received plenty of criticism during this FIFA World Cup for being a temporary build and the smallest of the tournament's 16 host venues.

But after Thursday night's crazy knockout stage game between Portugal and Croatia, the city may have just received the respect it deserved.

During the post-game press conference, Portugal's coach Roberto Martinez called his experience in Toronto wonderful and said the stadium's atmosphere was incredible.

"I must admit, congratulations to everybody who's involved in football, in soccer in the city," said Martinez.

"The quality of the grass was fantastic, and everything around it," he continued. "Beautiful facilities here, even the dressing room, it reminds me a lot of old-fashioned Premier League grounds, a wonderful feel, a wonderful feel."

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez spoke very highly of Toronto, saying “it’s a shame” that there are no more games being played in the city. 🇨🇦 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/WsqYRbuCFl

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 3, 2026

It's the first time during the tournament we've heard a coach or player compare Toronto Stadium to a Premier League venue.

On Thursday, it certainly felt the part, with a sold-out crowd of 43,036 Portuguese and Croatian supporters on hand to watch two of the greatest players in history battle it out one last time on the global stage.

Martinez went on to say how he thinks "it's a shame" that there are no more FIFA World Cup games here, as he said his team really enjoyed it.

Toronto Stadium is one of only five purpose-built soccer stadiums among the tournament's 16 host venues. Every U.S. host stadium was originally built for American football before being adapted for the FIFA World Cup.

The city hosted five group-stage matches and one knockout-stage game, tying for the fourth-fewest matches among the 16 host cities. By comparison, Dallas will host nine games—the most of any host venue.

To meet FIFA's capacity requirements, Toronto had to add more than 17,000 temporary seats at the north and south ends of the stadium to be selected as a host.

The seats will be removed following the tournament, but there will be improvements made to the stadium before tenants Toronto FC of MLS and the CFL's Argonauts return to the city in August.

Martinez's side advanced to the Round of 16 with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos, beating Croatia 2-1. Portugal's coach called the highly anticipated Toronto match "an incredible spectacle for football."

Portugal will now head to Dallas to play Spain in the next round.