Croatia kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto, earning their first points in Group L and setting up a decisive final clash against Ghana.
After a disappointing opening result, Zlatko Dalic’s side responded when it mattered most, with substitute Ante Budimir emerging as the match winner to ensure Croatia remains firmly in the race for a place in the last 32.
The victory also provided the perfect celebration for captain Luka Modric, who made his 200th international appearance for Croatia in yet another milestone moment for one of the nation’s greatest footballers.
Panama, seeking to keep their own qualification hopes alive, began brightly and used their pace in attack to trouble the 2018 World Cup runners-up during a tense and goalless first half. Croatia struggled to find rhythm and creativity, forcing Dalic to make two attacking substitutions at the break.
The changes immediately transformed the contest.
Nine minutes into the second half, Josip Stanisic delivered a dangerous low cross into the penalty area, and Budimir calmly arrived at the far post to guide the ball home, giving Croatia the breakthrough they desperately needed.
The goal ultimately proved decisive and condemned Panama to a second consecutive defeat, ending their hopes of advancing from Group L.
Despite the setback, Panama pushed hard for an equaliser and nearly found one during a frantic spell midway through the second half. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic produced a series of crucial saves to preserve his side’s advantage and frustrate the Central American side.
While Budimir scored the winner, much of the spotlight remained on Modric. The 40-year-old midfielder once again demonstrated his enduring quality, completing 88 percent of his passes and continuing his remarkable record of maintaining over 80 percent passing accuracy across all 19 of his World Cup appearances.
Modric, who is featuring in his fifth World Cup, became only the fourth male footballer to reach 200 international appearances. After being substituted in the 81st minute, he was lifted into the air by his teammates as Croatia celebrated both the victory and the achievement of their legendary captain.
Head coach Zlatko Dalic praised the veteran midfielder after the match.
“He is still influencing matches and to play for your country 200 times, that is a lot,” Dalic said. “We need to be very happy to have him in the team.”
He added: “Luka is very humble and this is why he is not for major celebrations. But I am very glad we marked this today in front of our fans.”
Croatia now face a decisive encounter against Ghana, knowing that victory will guarantee their place in the knockout rounds. For Modric and his teammates, the dream of one final deep World Cup run remains alive.
Panama, meanwhile, exit the tournament after consecutive defeats, despite showing moments of promise during their campaign.
