Croatia beat Panama 1-0 in Toronto to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign alive and eliminate Panama from Group L. Ante Budimir scored the only goal in the second half after coming on at half-time for Zlatko Dalić’s side.
The result gave Croatia three points from two matches after their opening loss to England. Panama have lost both group games and can no longer reach the Round of 32.
Budimir scores after half-time change
Croatia made two attacking changes at the break after a goalless first half. Budimir and Andrej Kramarić entered as Dalić looked for more threat in the final third.
The move worked early in the second half. Josip Stanišić ran down the right wing and sent a cross into the penalty area, where Budimir finished from close range in the 54th minute. It was Budimir’s first touch inside the Panama box. The Osasuna forward gave Croatia the goal they needed after Panama had kept the match tight for more than 50 minutes.
Panama create chances but cannot score
Panama defended well in the first half and had chances to cause problems for Croatia. Cristian Martínez and Amir Murillo were involved in several attacks, while the team looked to use crosses and quick moves forward.
The Central American side had more attempts than Croatia but struggled to test the goalkeeper. Panama finished with only one shot on target despite creating pressure during parts of the match.
Croatia’s defence stayed organised after taking the lead. Panama kept sending balls into the box, but the Croatian players cleared most of the danger before it reached goal.
Modrić reaches 200 international matches
The match was also Luka Modrić’s 200th appearance for Croatia. The captain started in midfield and helped the team control possession after Panama pushed harder in the second half.
Modrić was substituted late in the match as Croatia protected their lead. His appearance extended a national team record that reflects his long role in Croatia’s major tournament runs.
Croatia reached the World Cup final in 2018 and finished third in 2022. The team needed a result against Panama after losing 4-2 to England in its opening Group L match.
Final Group L matches remain important
Croatia moved to three points and remain in the fight for a place in the Round of 32. England and Ghana drew 0-0 earlier in the day, leaving both teams ahead of Croatia on four points. Croatia will face Ghana in their final group match. Panama play England, but their second 1-0 defeat means their World Cup campaign will end after that game.
