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Croatia Eliminates Panama with 1-0 Victory, Advances in World Cup Knockout Race
Croatia defeated Panama 1-0 at the World Cup on June 24, 2026, with Ante Budimir's 54th-minute goal securing the victory and eliminating Panama from knockout stage contention. The win keeps Croatia alive for the Round of 16, while Panama remains without a World Cup point across two tournament appearances.
Quick Facts
Who
Ante Budimir
What
Croatia defeated Panama 1-0
When
June 24, 2026
Where
BMO Field
- Croatia defeated Panama 1-0
- Ante Budimir scored the winning goal
- Josip Stanišić provided the assist with a curving cross
- Panama was eliminated from World Cup knockout contention
- Croatia advanced in the knockout stage race
Croatia secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama at BMO Field in Toronto on June 24, 2026, keeping their World Cup knockout stage hopes alive while eliminating the Central American side from contention. Substitute Ante Budimir scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute, tapping in a curving cross delivered by Josip Stanišić into an open net after Croatia broke through Panama's defensive line in the second half.
The match was tightly contested, with a slow-moving first half followed by Croatia's breakthrough early in the second period. Budimir, who had only been on the pitch for four minutes, struck just as Panama's defense appeared vulnerable. Croatia nearly extended their lead moments later when veteran Luka Modrić—playing his 200th international appearance—set up Marco Pašalić on a breakaway, but Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera made a crucial save.
Panama mounted a spirited comeback attempt, creating three consecutive chances at the 67-minute mark to equalize. However, Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković responded with a series of spectacular saves, including a dramatic deflection over the crossbar on the third opportunity. Despite their efforts, Panama remained unable to find the net, extending their winless streak at the World Cup across two tournament appearances.
Panama coach Thomas Christiansen praised his team's performance and competitive spirit, acknowledging that they played "with identity" and matched Croatia tactically despite the result. He emphasized that Panama's only remaining objective was to seek their first-ever World Cup point against England on Saturday in their final group match, though mathematically the task appears insurmountable given the direct head-to-head result against Croatia.
Croatia now stands with three points in Group L ahead of their final match against Ghana on Saturday in Philadelphia. England and Ghana remain tied at four points, with the group standings to be decided on the final matchday. Croatia's victory demonstrated the kind of clinical finishing and defensive resilience needed to advance in tournament football, while Panama's elimination marks another difficult World Cup campaign for the football federation.
Why This Matters
This victory is critical for Croatia's World Cup survival, as it keeps them mathematically alive in the knockout stage race with three points. For Panama, the loss marks a devastating elimination and underscores the vast gulf between established football nations and emerging competitors at the tournament's highest level. The result also reshapes Group L's final matchday dynamics, where England, Ghana, and Croatia remain tightly bunched in the standings, making Saturday's fixtures decisive for group advancement.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 24, 2026
WireMatch begins at BMO Field in Toronto
Jun 24, 2026
WireFirst half concludes with slow-moving play
Jun 24, 2026
WireSecond half begins; Croatia attacks Panama's back line
Jun 24, 2026
WireAnte Budimir substituted onto the pitch
Jun 24, 2026
WireAnte Budimir scores from Josip Stanišić's cross (54th minute)
Jun 24, 2026
WireLuka Modrić sets up Marco Pašalić on breakaway; Mosquera saves (57th minute)
Jun 24, 2026
WirePanama has three consecutive chances; Livaković makes three spectacular saves (67th minute)
Jun 24, 2026
WireFinal whistle; Croatia wins 1-0
Jun 28, 2026
WireFinal Group L matches: Ghana vs Croatia in Philadelphia; England vs Panama in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Entities
Sources
- World Cup Panama Croatia Score B7c84d33420e492ad8f44111f26a5c51apWireJun 24, 2026
- Mundial Panama Croacia Stanisic Christiansen 24cf779b0fdcb1c29211a531fbbda723apWireJun 24, 2026
- Panama 0-1 Croatia: Budirmir's strike gives Croatia crucial win, Panama eliminated - as it happenedESPN IndiaMediaJun 23, 2026