Budimir's goal enough: Croatia win 1-0

In the second 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match, Croatia beat Panama 1-0 at the BMO Field in Toronto to claim their first win of the tournament. Beaten by England in their opener, Croatia largely put the danger of elimination behind them with these crucial three points, while Panama, losing both games, came to the brink of going out.

In a game goalless at the break, Zlatko Dalić made a bold call at half-time with two attacking changes; Ante Budimir and Andrej Kramarić came on for Petar Musa and Joško Gvardiol. The move soon paid off: in the 54th, from a chance set up by Josip Stanišić, the freshly introduced Budimir found the net to put Croatia 1-0 up and score the game's only goal.

After the goal, Croatia took control and reflected their edge in the stats. Dalić's side reached 58% possession and 1.66 expected goals (xG), with Panama on 0.62. Croatia also led 3-1 on big chances. Panama, level in the first half, finished ahead 8-6 on total shots in the second half but could not turn that into a goal and failed to test the Croatia keeper enough from clear positions.

Late on, Panama pushed for an equaliser; Thomas Christiansen tried to add attacking power with substitutions. But the experienced Croatia defence, with help from Modrić and the substitutes, managed to protect the lead. Panama's Aníbal Barcenas (61') and Croatia's Petar Sučić (90+2') were booked. The match was officiated by Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho, with over 43,000 fans in the stands.

With this result, Croatia, back-to-back semi-finalists, took a big step toward continuing their run at the tournament and found morale before the final game. Panama, pointless from both games despite their disciplined play, came to the brink of bowing out of the World Cup in spite of the fight they showed.

Image: Khel Now