Toronto, Canada – Web Desk: Croatia secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama in a key Group L clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage firmly alive.
The match remained goalless throughout the first half, with both sides struggling to create clear scoring opportunities. However, Croatia found the breakthrough in the second half when Ante Budimir scored in the 54th minute to give his side a vital lead.
Croatia maintained control for the remainder of the match and successfully defended their advantage to secure all three points in Toronto.
The victory keeps Croatia in contention for a place in the Round of 16, while Panama’s defeat officially ends their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.
Group L remains highly competitive, with England, Ghana, and Croatia still battling for qualification. Croatia currently sit third in the standings with three points from two matches.
Croatia will face Ghana in their final group-stage fixture in Philadelphia on Saturday, where a victory could secure a top-two finish and a place in the knockout rounds.
