Budimir Score, Croatia Eliminate Panama 1-0 to Keep their World Cup Hopes Alive, Stats, Facts.
Croatia boosted their chances of reaching the World Cup knockout stages with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Panama, as substitute Ante Budimir became the match-winner. After England’s goalless draw with Ghana, Croatia knew a victory was essential to keep their qualification hopes alive, and Zlatko Dalic’s team delivered a composed performance to move onto three points in Group L.
Panama made a bright start and looked dangerous in the opening stages, testing Croatia’s defence with quick attacks. However, goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was in excellent form, making important saves to deny Panama and keep the score level. Croatia struggled to create clear chances in the first half but grew stronger after the break.
Budimir was introduced at half-time and needed only nine minutes to make his impact, finishing Josip Stanisic’s cross from inside the six-yard box to give Croatia the lead. Panama responded with late pressure, but Livakovic produced more crucial stops to protect the advantage.
The result gives Croatia a valuable three points and puts them in a strong position heading into the final matchday, while Panama are left needing a major turnaround to stay in the tournament.
Panama 0-1 Croatia Final score, match stats, facts, records.
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Croatia recorded their first win in this FIFA World Cup. In six of their seven participations in the tournament, their recorded at least one win in the group stage, 2006 being the only time they didn’t (D2 L1).
Luka Modric played his 21st game in FIFA World Cup. Since his debut in the competition, in the 2006 edition, only Cristiano Ronaldo (24) and Lionel Messi (28) have played more.
Luka Modric recorded an 88% passing accuracy against Panama (69/78). He has completed at least 80% of his passes in all 19 of his career FIFA World Cup starts.
Substitutes have scored three of Croatia’s last eight FIFA World Cup goals. Prior to that, subs were responsible for just one of 36 World Cup goals for Croatia (excl. own goals).
Panama are the sixth team and the fifth from Concacaf to lose their first five matches in the tournament’s history, following Mexico in 1950, El Salvador in 1982, Canada in 2022, and Haiti and Iraq in 2026.
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