Emerging
Published Jun 23, 2026Updated Jun 24 Major3
88%
Croatia Defeats Panama 1-0 in World Cup 2026 Group Stage
Croatia earned their first World Cup 2026 victory with a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto on June 24, with Ante Budimir scoring the decisive goal. The result leaves Croatia one point behind group leaders England and Ghana, while Panama remains pointless in the tournament.
Quick Facts
- Croatia defeated Panama 1-0
- Ante Budimir scored the only goal
- Luka Modric earned his 200th international cap
- Croatia claimed their first World Cup 2026 victory
- Croatia national football team
Croatia secured their first victory of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 24, defeating Panama 1-0 in a Group L match at BMO Field in Toronto. Ante Budimir scored the decisive goal following a cross from Josip Stanisic, capitalizing on an open opportunity in front of the Panamanian goal.
The result marks a significant turnaround for Croatia after their opening defeat to England (2-4). With three points from two matches, Croatia now sits third in Group L, one point behind co-leaders England and Ghana, who drew 0-0 in their respective match on the same day. Panama, conversely, remains without a point through five World Cup matches across the 2018 and 2026 tournaments, having lost both their matches in the current competition.
The victory was notable for coinciding with a personal milestone for Croatia's veteran midfielder Luka Modric, who earned his 200th international cap, becoming only the fourth male player in football history to reach this distinction. The tight contest saw Group L's standings remain competitive heading into the final group stage matches, scheduled for June 28, when Croatia will face Ghana and England will play Panama.
After two rounds of group play, England leads Group L with four points and a goal differential of +2 (4:2), while Ghana occupies second place with four points but a goal differential of +1 (1:0). Croatia's victory places them three points ahead of Panama, who has conceded two goals without scoring.
Why This Matters
Croatia's victory demonstrates resilience after their opening tournament loss and keeps them in contention for advancement from a competitive Group L. With just one point separating the top three teams and crucial matches remaining, the result intensifies the final group stage matchday and establishes Croatia as a serious challenger. Additionally, Modric's 200th cap milestone underscores the lasting impact of veteran players in modern football and adds a symbolic achievement to a pivotal group match.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 23, 2026
WireGroup L matches scheduled; Panama previously lost 0-1 to Ghana; Croatia previously lost 2-4 to England
Jun 24, 2026
WireAnte Budimir scored the winning goal for Croatia from Josip Stanisic's cross
Jun 24, 2026
WireLuka Modric earned his 200th international cap for Croatia
Jun 24, 2026
WireCroatia vs Panama match played at BMO Field in Toronto
Jun 28, 2026
WireFinal Group L matches scheduled: Croatia vs Ghana; England vs Panama