Croatia defeats Panama 1-0, stays third in World Cup 2026 Group L

Croatia earned a 1‑0 victory over Panama in the Group L match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in Toronto. Substitute striker Ante Budimir, 34, scored the only goal in the 54th minute after a precise cross from Josip Stanišić, giving Croatia three points.

The win leaves Croatia on three points, positioned third in the group behind England and Ghana, with a decisive final game against Ghana to secure a place in the round of 16. Panama remain winless after five matches in the tournament's history.

Budimir’s goal was his first at a World Cup, marking a personal milestone as he adds to his limited tally of official goals for the national side.