Croatia kept their World Cup knockout hopes alive by defeating Panama 1-0 in Toronto to secure their first points in Group L.
Substitute Ante Budimir scored the game’s lone goal nine minutes into the second half. The result eliminates Panama following their second consecutive loss. Croatia can now guarantee a spot in the last-32 with a victory on Saturday against Ghana, who drew 0-0 with England earlier in the day.
Croatia beats Panama 1-0 in Group L action at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Photo: Indrawan Kumala/Total Soccer News
Croatia beats Panama 1-0 in Group L action at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Photo: Indrawan Kumala/Total Soccer News
Croatia beats Panama 1-0 in Group L action at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Photo: Indrawan Kumala/Total Soccer News
Croatia beats Panama 1-0 in Group L action at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Photo: Indrawan Kumala/Total Soccer News
Croatia beats Panama 1-0 in Group L action at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Photo: Indrawan Kumala/Total Soccer News
Croatia beats Panama 1-0 in Group L action at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Photo: Indrawan Kumala/Total Soccer News
Croatia beats Panama 1-0 in Group L action at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Photo: Indrawan Kumala/Total Soccer News
Croatia beats Panama 1-0 in Group L action at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Photo: Indrawan Kumala/Total Soccer News
Croatia beats Panama 1-0 in Group L action at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Photo: Indrawan Kumala/Total Soccer News
Croatia beats Panama 1-0 in Group L action at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Photo: Indrawan Kumala/Total Soccer News
Croatia beats Panama 1-0 in Group L action at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Photo: Indrawan Kumala/Total Soccer News
Croatia beats Panama 1-0 in Group L action at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Photo: Indrawan Kumala/Total Soccer News
Croatia beats Panama 1-0 in Group L action at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Photo: Indrawan Kumala/Total Soccer News
Croatia beats Panama 1-0 in Group L action at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Photo: Indrawan Kumala/Total Soccer News
