Croatia earned an important 1-0 victory over Panama in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match at Toronto Stadium, with Ante Budimir scoring the decisive goal early in the second half.

After a tight first half, Croatia made changes at the break, bringing on Budimir and Joško Gvardiol to add more control and threat. The move paid off quickly. In the 54th minute, Budimir found the breakthrough and gave Croatia the lead.

Panama tried to respond and stayed competitive, but Croatia managed the game with experience. Edgar Yoel Bárcenas was booked in the 61st minute, and Panama made several changes late in the match as they searched for a way back.

For Croatia, the night also carried a special feeling for Luka Modrić. The veteran midfielder came on in the 81st minute, replacing Mario Pašalić, and helped Croatia protect the lead in the final stages. The featured image of Modrić being lifted in celebration fits the mood perfectly: another proud World Cup moment for one of Croatia’s greatest football figures.

Croatia had to stay focused until the end, especially after late Panama substitutions and stoppage-time pressure. Petar Sučić was shown a yellow card in the 90+2 minute, but Croatia held firm and saw out the win.

In front of 43,036 fans in Toronto, Croatia collected three valuable points. It was not a big-score performance, but it was controlled, mature and effective — exactly the kind of result that can matter a lot in a World Cup group stage.