Ante Budimir's 54th-minute goal gave Croatia a 1-0 win over Panama in World Cup 2026 Group L on Tuesday, keeping Croatia's knockout hopes alive while eliminating Panama from the tournament.
Budimir breaks deadlock
After a goalless first half, Croatia broke through when Marco Pasalic played a through ball to Josip Stanisic, who crossed to the far post. Budimir timed his run perfectly and slammed the ball into the net with his torso. The goal was Croatia's first of the tournament after a 4-2 loss to England in their opener.
The win moves Croatia to third in the third-placed teams standings with three points and a -1 goal difference, while Panama remains at zero points after two 1-0 defeats.
Modric's historic 200th cap
Luka Modric started the match, becoming the fourth man to earn 200 international caps, joining Cristiano Ronaldo, Bader Al-Mutawa, and Lionel Messi. He played 81 minutes before being substituted to a loud ovation. Croatia players wore special shirts honoring his achievement, reading "Infinite Legacy."
"A lovely scene on the pitch as Croatia's players don special shirts in honor of Modric's 200th cap," reported Jeff Rueter.
Panama's efforts fall short
Panama pushed for an equalizer in the second half, with Dominik Livakovic making key saves, including a 23rd-minute stop that pushed Jose Luis Rodriguez's header onto the crossbar. Panama had multiple corners and crosses but failed to convert, with Cristian Martinez and Amir Murillo creating chances.
"Panama continue to work up their right flank, but Murillo is finally seeming to feel a bit tired," Rueter noted. Panama made substitutions including Cecilio Waterman to add attacking threat, but could not find the net.
Group L standings
After the match, Group L standings are: England (4 points, +2 GD), Ghana (4 points, +1 GD), Croatia (3 points, -1 GD), Panama (0 points, -2 GD). A win would not secure a Round of 32 place, but defeat eliminated either side.
In the third-place table, Croatia sits third with three points and -1 GD, with the top eight third-place teams qualifying. Other teams include Sweden (3 points, 0 GD), Scotland (3 points, 0 GD), and Algeria (3 points, -2 GD).
Match details
The match was played at Toronto Stadium in front of a pro-Croatia crowd. Referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho officiated. Both teams had one shot on target in the first half, with Croatia improving after halftime changes.
Croatia made two halftime substitutions: Ante Budimir and Andrej Kramaric replaced Josko Gvardiol and Petar Musa. Panama made late substitutions including Azarias Londono, Tomas Rodriguez, and Eric Davis.
Croatia's next match will determine if they advance, while Panama is eliminated after two narrow defeats.
