When the Portuguese team arrives in Toronto to face Croatia in the knockout round, they will bring with them one of the most iconic players of this generation.
Cristiano Ronaldo is an instantly recognizable presence both on and off the field. At 41, he is competing in his sixth World Cup and is the second-oldest player in the tournament. And he captains a team that, like Portugal itself, punches above its weight.
Perched on Europe’s western edge and with a landmass one tenth that of Ontario, Portugal has for centuries looked to the sea and reached out far into the world. Labrador is named for Portuguese sailor João Fernandes Lavrador, who mapped its coast in the 15th century. Today, the world reaches back, and Portugal’s historic cities and pristine beaches attract around 30 million visitors every year.
Here’s what to expect from this beautiful country, both in the beautiful game and beyond it:
Delight in the sights and sounds of Lisbon
Portugal’s majestic capital is a city of light and colour. Yellow streetcars rattle along narrow roads lined by red-roofed buildings, while the azure Atlantic and southern European sky frame every picture. From the São Jorge Castle overlooking the city to the Tower of Belém jutting out into the ocean, the city’s long history is on display at every turn. This is also the birthplace of fado, Portugal’s melancholic traditional music, which can be heard most often in the Alfama neighbourhood. And when you’re tired of sightseeing, you can recharge with a delicious pastel de nata custard tart, which are ubiquitous in Lisbon’s bakeries.
Drink in the majestic scenery of the Douro Valley
Around 90 minutes from the northwestern city of Porto, the Douro Valley is one of the world’s oldest officially recognized wine-making regions. Centuries of tradition are kept alive in the terraced vineyards that climb the valley’s rolling hills and produce the area’s world-famous port. Visitors can spend a delightful day touring wineries, taking a river cruise or simply enjoying the views of the Douro River winding through hills that stretch to the horizon.
Unfurl a beach towel on the Algarve
Golden beaches, idyllic coves and breathtaking cliffs. The Algarve coast, in the country’s far south, is a paradise for lovers of sea and sand. But there’s far more to do here than simply soaking up the sun. Explore postcard-perfect villages, take dramatic coastal walks and discover hidden caves. The most famous of these is the Benagil sea cave, which has a natural skylight that shines dramatically onto the beach below.
What’s in store when Portugal take to the pitch in Toronto
Ronaldo is the all-time leading goal scorer in men’s international soccer and remains a talismanic presence for Portugal. But he is far from their only threat in front of goal.
Ranked fifth in the world, Portugal has deeper bench strength than in previous tournaments, with a powerful midfield including playmakers Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva. Portugal made tough work of the group stage, with their only win coming from a 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan. But having reached the quarterfinals in both the last World Cup and Euro 2024, Portugal will be hoping to reach at least as far this time. And given Toronto’s large Portuguese population, they will doubtless have a sizeable – and vocal – contingent of supporters cheering them on.
Getting there
If you want to discover Portugal for yourself, you have many options for direct flights from Pearson. Lisbon is served by Air Canada, Air Transat and TAP Air Portugal. Air Transat also flies to Porto, the country’s second-largest city, and Faro, on the Algarve.
Those looking to get away from it all can take Air Canada, Azores Airlines or WestJet flights to Ponta Delgada in the picturesque Azores islands in the mid-Atlantic, which are a Portuguese territory.