Croatia secure Group L survival with narrow victory over Panama
Ante Budimir’s second-half strike leaves Croatia third in the standings, while Panama’s tournament hopes are extingued following a 1-0 defeat at Toronto Stadium.
Croatia have maintained their contention for a top-two finish in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a 1-0 victory over Panama at Toronto Stadium on Tuesday. The result eliminates Panama from the tournament while leaving Croatia third in the group standings with three points.
The decisive moment arrived in the 54th minute when substitute Ante Budimir scored his first World Cup goal. The 34-year-old forward finished a composed attack initiated by Josip Stanisic and Marco Pasalic, who provided a cross from the right flank that Budimir guided into an open net at the back post.
The victory was rendered critical by a simultaneous 0-0 draw between England and Ghana earlier in the day. That result meant the loser of the Croatia-Panama fixture would be eliminated from contention for the round of 32. By securing the win, Croatia avoided elimination and preserved their path to a top-two finish, which they can guarantee with a victory over Ghana in their final Group L match on Saturday in Philadelphia.
Panama remain winless after five matches, having failed to score a point in their World Cup history. Despite playing their first two matches without injured talisman Adalberto Carrasquilla, the Central American side has improved its goal difference by six compared to its previous appearance in 2018. Panama will conclude their campaign against England in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday.
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was tested early in the second half, making three saves in quick succession before the hydration break to deny Panama momentum. The Croatian side, captained by Luka Modric, created further chances, including a significant opportunity for Pasalic three minutes after the goal, but Panama’s Orlando Mosquera made crucial interventions to keep the scoreline intact.
