Croatia defeated Panama 1-0 on Wednesday in Toronto, taking a major step toward the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. After an disappointing loss to England, Zlatko Dalić’s team got the result it needed in a match that was not always high in quality, but carried symbolic weight for the Croats.
The only goal came in the 55th minute, when Osasuna striker Ante Budimir arrived first to a fine cross from Josip Stanišić and finished to give Croatia the lead. It was a milestone goal for Budimir, who became the first player from his club to score at a World Cup and also the oldest scorer in Croatia’s national-team history.
Luka Modrić also marked a personal landmark, making his 200th appearance for Croatia. The veteran midfielder’s milestone added to a night that strengthened Croatia’s position in the group after six previous World Cup appearances that had already included three semifinal runs.
Panama, coached by Thomas Christiansen, were still chasing a first World Cup victory and hoped to bounce back from a stoppage-time concession against Ghana in the opening round. They were the better side in the first half, but again finished without points and, with Adelberto Carrasquilla absent, their midfield was weakened. Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković made a big save in the 21st minute, tipping a powerful header onto the crossbar and out, while former Maccabi Tel Aviv goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera stopped a strong Marco Pašalić effort just before halftime.
