Croatia clinches win over Panama, prepares for decisive Ghana showdown

Croatia defeated Panama 1‑0 in Toronto, with Ante Budimir’s 54th‑minute header delivering three essential points and keeping the team alive in Group L of the 2026 World Cup. Coach Zlatko Dalić praised the result but admitted his side was “not at the level we want,” urging positivity and tactical tweaks ahead of the final group match against Ghana. He highlighted the need for greater quality in the last third of games and indicated possible lineup changes.

Players Joško Gvardiol and Nikola Moro reflected on the Panama win, saying they feel “great” and are focused on the upcoming game, while Gvardiol acknowledged his performance “was not my best” after returning from injury. The squad’s morale was described as “good” with two training sessions left before facing Ghana.

Analysts noted the schedule’s impact: a second‑place finish would pit Croatia against a second‑placed team from Group K, while a third‑place finish could lead to a late‑night knockout match in the United States. Results in other groups—such as Brazil’s 3‑0 win over Scotland—affect the ranking of the best third‑placed teams, adding further importance to the Ghana fixture.

Media commentary included a U.S. journalist’s criticism of a hydration break during the Panama game, claiming it altered the match’s momentum. Fans gathered in Pula for a communal viewing, underscoring domestic interest as the team seeks knockout‑stage qualification.