Croatia Beat Panama 1-0 to Keep World Cup Hopes Alive

Croatia kept their 2026 World Cup campaign alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Panama at Toronto Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. This result significantly boosts Croatia's chances of advancing to the knockout stage, while simultaneously ending Panama's World Cup aspirations.

The decisive goal came from Ante Budimir shortly after halftime, marking a crucial comeback for Croatia following their initial 4-2 defeat to England in Group L. The team, led by Luka Modric, needed this win to stay in the competition.

The match began cautiously, with neither team able to create significant scoring opportunities in the first half. Panama had a notable chance in the 23rd minute when Jose Rodriguez met Amir Murillo's cross, but Croatia's goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic made a vital one-handed save. Croatia's Martin Baturina also tested Panama's goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera with a long-range effort before the break.

Croatia's coach Zlatko Dalic made impactful substitutions at halftime, bringing in Ante Budimir and Andrej Kramaric. The change paid off in the 54th minute when Budimir converted Josip Stanisic's cross into the net. Croatia had an opportunity to extend their lead when Luka Modric set up Mario Pasalic, but Pasalic's attempted lob was saved, and the follow-up went wide.

Panama mounted a strong response, pushing for an equalizer in the latter stages of the game. However, Livakovic was instrumental in preserving Croatia's lead with a series of crucial saves around the 70th minute. Despite Panama's late pressure, Croatia's defense held firm, securing the vital three points.