Croatia beat Panama 1-0 in the Group L match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The encounter took place on 23 June 2026 at BMO Field in Toronto, forming part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group L. Both sides entered the game looking to secure early points in a tightly contested group, with the Canadian venue providing a lively backdrop for the international showdown.

How it unfolded

The first half progressed without a breakthrough, as both teams tested each other’s defenses and sought rhythm. The deadlock was finally broken early in the second half when, in the 54th minute, Ante Budimir found the net for Croatia. The goal came from a close-range left-footed finish into the bottom left corner after a well-timed cross from Josip Stanisic, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Just seven minutes later, the match saw its first disciplinary action. Panama’s Édgar Yoel Bárcenas was shown a yellow card in the 61st minute for a bad foul, a routine booking that did not alter the flow of play.

The remainder of the game was marked by Croatia’s attempt to manage the lead and Panama’s efforts to find an equaliser. As the clock wound down, the tension rose, but the scoreline held. In injury time, specifically the second minute of added time, Croatia’s Petar Sucic received a yellow card for a bad foul, concluding the booking tally for the match. The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 win for Croatia.

Standout performers

  • Ante Budimir – The Croatian striker provided the decisive moment of the match, scoring the only goal with a composed finish after Josip Stanisic’s assist.
  • Josip Stanisic – His precise cross set up Budimir’s strike, making him the key creator in the decisive play.

Both players were directly involved in the match-winning action and stood out among the 22 who took the field.

Match facts

  • Final score: Panama 0-1 Croatia
  • Scorer: Ante Budimir (Croatia) – 54' (assist by Josip Stanisic)
  • Bookings:
    • Édgar Yoel Bárcenas (Panama) – yellow card, 61'
    • Petar Sucic (Croatia) – yellow card, 90'+2'
  • Venue: BMO Field, Toronto

What it means

The result adds three points to Croatia’s tally and leaves Panama without points from this Group L fixture. Both teams remain in the early stages of their World Cup 2026 group campaigns, with further matches to come that will determine their final standing in the group.