Panama 0-1 Croatia
Budimir's 54th-minute strike fired Croatia back into the race, while Panama go home with their World Cup dream over.
How the match went
Croatia walked into BMO Field needing a win, and they walked out with one.
After losing their opener 2-4 to England, they could not afford another slip, and you could feel it in how careful they played.
The first half had plenty of tension but no goals, with both teams afraid to make the mistake that decides a game like this.
It stayed 0-0 at the break, tight and nervous, the kind of half where one moment changes everything.
That moment came in the 54th minute, when Budimir struck to finally break the deadlock and send the Croatia fans wild.
From there Croatia dug in and held on, defending their slim 1-0 lead all the way to the final whistle.
That goal is huge, because it gives Croatia their first 3 points and keeps them right in the Group L fight for the next round.
For Panama it is the cruelest result, a second loss in two games after they also lost 1-0 to Ghana, and it ends their World Cup before the final round even arrives.
Key moments
- ⚽ 54' Budimir (Croatia)
Goals in the order they were scored.
Match highlights
Watch on YouTube- Date
- Tuesday, June 23
- Kickoff Time
- 19:00 (Toronto time)
- Stage
- Group stage, Group L
- Stadium
- BMO Field, Toronto
- Attendance
- 43,036
- Referee
- Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
What's next for Panama?
The dream is over for Panama, who are out of the World Cup after losing both of their first two games.
But they still have one match left, against England on June 27, with nothing left to qualify for.
So all they can play for now is pride, and a big performance against England would still mean a lot.
What's next for Croatia?
Croatia are very much alive, and now they face Ghana on June 27 in what looks like a battle for 2nd place.
Whoever wins that one will very likely be going through to the next round.
So everything is set up for a huge night, with a place in the knockouts on the line.
Common questions
Where and when was Panama vs Croatia played?
The game was played on June 23, 2026 at BMO Field in Toronto. It was a Group L match on matchday 2.
What was the final score of Panama vs Croatia?
Croatia won 1-0. The only goal came from Budimir in the 54th minute, after the first half ended 0-0.
What does the result mean for Group L?
Croatia are back in the race with their first 3 points and a real shot at the next round. Panama are out, because two losses mean they can no longer reach the top 2 of the group.