Croatia achieved a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama in their second match of Group L at the 2026 World Cup, positioning them to vie for at least second place in the upcoming game against Ghana.
Following a lackluster 0-0 draw between England and Ghana, Croatia needed a win against Panama to keep their advancement hopes alive.
The first half mirrored the earlier match, with both teams failing to produce a single shot on target. However, coach Zlatko Dalic made decisive changes at halftime, bringing on forwards Andrej Kramaric and Bruno Budimir. Budimir rewarded this faith by scoring in the 54th minute, capitalizing on a cross from Josip Stanisic, as the Panamanian goalkeeper hesitated, leaving Budimir with a simple tap-in.
Just three minutes later, Croatia nearly increased their lead when Mario Pasalic broke through, only to have his shot saved by Panama’s goalkeeper, Mosquera. Panama responded with two attempts in quick succession, forcing Croatia’s goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic, to make critical saves.
Ultimately, Croatia maintained their slim lead, securing their first points of the tournament. In the final match of the group stage, they will face Ghana, who currently have four points. Both teams entered this World Cup with losses: Croatia fell to England 2-4, while Panama lost narrowly to Ghana, 0-1.
The other game in the group, England versus Ghana, concluded in a stalemate at 0-0.
Match Summary: Panama vs. Croatia 0-1
Goal Scorer: Budimir 54′
Starting Lineups:
Panama (3-4-3): Mosquera – Ramos, Cordoba, Andrade – Murillo, Harvey, Barcenas, Blackman – Martinez, Fajardo, Rodriguez. Substitutes: Mejia, Samudio, Escobar, Farina, Davis, Miller, Gutierrez, Carrasquilla, Diaz, Quintero, Godoy, Yanis, Rodriguez, Waterman, Londono. Coach: Thomas Christiansen
Croatia (4-3-3): Livakovic – Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol – Baturina, Modric, Kovacic – Pasalic, Musa, Perisic. Substitutes: Pandur, Kotarski, Caleta-Car, Jakic, Vuskovic, Erlic, Moro, Vlasic, Pasalic, Sucic, Fruk, Sucic, Kramaric, Budimir, Matanovic. Coach: Zlatko Dalic
This match was held at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, officiated by referee Pierre Atcho from Gabon.
It marked the first encounter between these two national teams, with Panama still searching for their first World Cup point. This is their second tournament appearance following a disappointing run in 2018, where they lost all three matches.
Modric’s 200th Match and Team’s Determination
Veteran midfielder Luka Modric celebrated his 200th cap for the national team in this match. Ahead of the game, coach Zlatko Dalic emphasized the need to improve defensive errors from their previous match against England.
He stated, “Panama is a good team with several fast players. We must be courageous, decisive, and determined. We are the favorites and must act accordingly. We are expecting a fitting result.” Croatia recognizes the importance of winning to remain in contention for a top two finish and a guaranteed place in the knockout stage.
“We have set a high bar with our two medals from the last two editions, but we cannot live off past glories. I know the fans have high expectations, and every match is an opportunity to showcase our capabilities,” Dalic concluded.
