Croatia revived their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama in Group L on Wednesday, a result that boosted their chances of reaching the round of 32 while ending Panama’s hopes of progressing in the tournament.
A second-half goal from substitute Ante Budimir proved decisive at Toronto Stadium, giving Croatia their first win of the competition in a closely contested encounter.
The victory moves Croatia onto three points in Group L, leaving them just one point behind both England and Ghana. For Panama, however, the defeat confirmed their elimination after suffering back-to-back losses, having also been beaten 1-0 by Ghana in their opening fixture.
With both teams aware of the importance of the match, the opening period produced few clear-cut opportunities. Neither side was able to establish control during a cautious first half, and the teams went into the break level.
Croatia found the breakthrough shortly after the restart. Budimir, introduced at the beginning of the second half, made an immediate impact in the 54th minute. The forward arrived at the back post to convert a well-delivered ball across goal from Josip Stanisic, giving Croatia a valuable lead.
The goal shifted momentum in Croatia’s favour and they nearly doubled their advantage moments later. Veteran midfielder Luka Modric picked out Marco Pasalic with a well-timed pass that sent him through on goal. Pasalic attempted a lob over goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera, but the Panama shot-stopper reacted well to deny him.
Mosquera then spilled the ball, presenting Pasalic with a second opportunity in quick succession. However, the attacker was unable to capitalise as his follow-up effort failed to find the target.
Despite Croatia’s improved attacking display, Panama continued to push forward in search of an equaliser that would keep their tournament hopes alive.
Their best opportunity arrived midway through the second half, but Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic produced a crucial intervention in the 68th minute to preserve his side’s lead. The save proved pivotal as Panama intensified their efforts.
Livakovic was called into action again only moments later when he made another outstanding stop. The goalkeeper reacted sharply to tip a close-range header from Carlos Harvey over the crossbar, preventing Panama from drawing level.
Panama continued to attack in the closing stages, knowing that anything less than a point would end their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds. However, Croatia remained resilient and successfully protected their slender advantage until the final whistle.
The result leaves Croatia in a strong position heading into their final group match. They now face Ghana on Saturday, June 27, in what promises to be a decisive encounter. The winner of that match will automatically secure qualification for the round of 32.
Panama, meanwhile, will conclude their World Cup campaign against England on the same day. Although already eliminated, they will look to end the tournament on a positive note against an England side aiming to strengthen their push for top spot in Group L.
While Panama leave the competition without a point, they showed determination throughout the contest and pushed Croatia all the way. For Croatia, Budimir’s decisive contribution and Livakovic’s key saves ensured a vital victory that keeps their World Cup ambitions firmly alive heading into the final round of group-stage fixtures.
