Croatia secured their first victory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard fought 1-0 win over Panama at Toronto Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to a second half strike from substitute Ante Budimir. The result revived Croatia’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage, while Panama’s elimination was confirmed after a second consecutive narrow defeat.
Both teams entered the match searching for their first points of the tournament. Panama had opened their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Ghana, while Croatia suffered a 4-2 defeat against England despite goals from Martin Baturina and Petar Musa.
The game also marked a historic occasion for Croatia captain Luka Modric. The veteran midfielder earned his 200th international cap and made his 21st World Cup appearance. Since making his tournament debut in 2006, only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have featured in more World Cup matches.
Croatia started brightly and nearly opened the scoring in the fifth minute. Modric produced one of his trademark passes over the top to pick out Ivan Perisic, but the winger could not bring the ball under control as the chance slipped away.
Panama soon settled into the contest and looked the more dangerous side for much of the first half. In the 16th minute, Amir Murillo burst down the right flank and delivered a superb low cross across the six yard box. Jose Fajardo arrived in the middle but failed to make the crucial touch.
Seven minutes later, Panama came even closer. Murillo whipped in another dangerous delivery and Jose Luis Rodriguez powered a header toward goal. Dominik Livakovic reacted brilliantly to tip the effort onto the crossbar. Although the move was later ruled out because the ball had drifted out of play before the cross, it highlighted Panama’s growing confidence.
Croatia struggled to create clear openings and did not register a shot on target until first half stoppage time. Martin Baturina finally tested Orlando Mosquera with a low strike from 25 yards, but the Panama goalkeeper pushed the ball around the post.
The teams went into the break level at 0-0, with Panama arguably the happier side after creating the better opportunities.
Croatia emerged with greater urgency after halftime and found the breakthrough in the 54th minute. A clever backheel released Josip Stanisic down the right, and the defender drilled a dangerous low cross across the face of goal. Budimir, introduced at the interval, arrived at the far post to convert from close range and give Croatia a priceless lead.
The goal transformed the momentum of the match. Three minutes later, Croatia almost doubled their advantage. After clearing a Panama corner, they launched a swift counterattack that sent Marco Pasalic racing through on goal. Mosquera stood firm to deny him, and Pasalic then blasted the rebound high over the bar from a difficult angle.
Panama refused to surrender and continued to push for an equaliser. In the 68th minute, Murillo twice forced saves from Livakovic before the Croatian goalkeeper produced another important stop to push Carlos Harvey’s header over the crossbar from the resulting corner.
As the clock ticked down, Panama increased the pressure but could not find the cutting edge they desperately needed. Their inability to convert promising chances once again proved costly.
A notable moment arrived in the 81st minute when Modric left the field to a standing ovation. The Croatian legend received a warm reception from supporters as Mario Pasalic replaced him late in the contest.
Panama earned one final opportunity deep into stoppage time when Tomas Rodriguez won a free kick in a dangerous position after being fouled by Petar Sucic, who received a yellow card. However, Croatia held firm and protected their slender advantage until the final whistle.
The victory lifts Croatia back into contention for a place in the Round of 32. A win against Ghana in their final Group L match would secure qualification. Panama, meanwhile, bow out of the tournament after consecutive 1-0 defeats against Ghana and Croatia, results that will leave them wondering what might have been after two competitive displays.
Croatia may not have been at their best, but Budimir’s decisive contribution ensured they claimed three vital points and kept their World Cup dream alive.
