Substitute Ante Budimir’s goal gave Croatia a crucial 1-0 win over Panama in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match at Toronto Stadium on Tuesday.
Budimir, introduced at half-time after an insipid opening period from both sides, bundled in Josip Stanisic’s cross in the 54th minute to set up the only goal of the match.
Captain Luka Modric became the second European to earn a 200th cap, as Croatia moved to third place with three points, recovering from their opening week defeat to England.
Panama, meanwhile, were eliminated after their second defeat of the campaign.
Croatia will face Ghana in its final group match, while Panama will face England.
Panama vs Croatia – Player Ratings
Panama: Mosquera (6.5), Ramos (6.4), Córdoba (6.6), Andrade (6.9), Murillo (6.7), Blackman (6.3), Martínez (7), Harvey (6.1), Bárcenas (76.7), Rodriguez (6.1), Fajardo (6.2) Subs: Waterman (6.1), Londoño (no rating), Davis (no rating), Rodríguez (no rating)
Croatia: Livakovic (8.0), Stanisic (8.1), Sutalo (7.3), Pongracic (7.1), Gvardiol (6.9), Modric (7.3), Kovacic (6.6), Pasalic (7.5), Baturina (7.5), Perisic (6.9), Musa (6.2)
Subs: Kramaric (6.5), Budimir (7.7), Sucic (5.9), Sucic (6.1), Pasalic (no rating)
Published on June 24, 2026
