Cristiano Ronaldo dedicates Portugal’s qualification to the World Cup 2026 last 16 to Diogo Jota after a 2–1 win over Croatia. Multiple outlets report that, following the closely contested result that sends Portugal into the knockout stage, Ronaldo is shown visibly emotional and appearing with a tribute to his late teammate. According to the accounts, the captain wears a Portugal shirt with Diogo Jota’s number “21” as a public homage to Jota, who died in July 2025. NBC News and StudioFútbol both describe the gesture as one of the most moving moments of the tournament, linking the tribute directly to the team’s match outcome against Croatia. The reports characterize the gesture as a dedication of the victory and qualification to Jota, reflecting their personal connection and Jota’s status as a former forward, including his time with Liverpool. Both outlets present the tribute as a post-match act carried out immediately after Portugal’s progression, with the number on the shirt serving as the central symbol of the remembrance.