Updated: 2026-07-01 | Results and data follow FIFA’s official announcements; please double-check live information.
On Matchday 2 of Group L at the 2026 World Cup, Croatia edged Panama 1-0 at BMO Field in Toronto to bank a crucial three points. Panama defended in a tight, well-drilled block through a goalless first half, prompting Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić to make a double change at the break, sending on Ante Budimir and Andre Kramarić. The switch paid off almost immediately. In the 54th minute Josip Stanišić delivered a cross from the right and Budimir, on the pitch for barely nine minutes, tapped home unmarked at the back post for the game’s only goal — his seventh for the national team. There were no red cards, no VAR reversals and no penalties, with Croatia growing into full control after the break.
The win lifted Croatia up the Group L table and confirmed Panama’s elimination with a game to spare, leaving Los Canaleros still chasing a first World Cup point after back-to-back defeats. Croatia’s next assignment was their final group match against Ghana on June 27, a must-win they took 2-1 through goals from Petar Sučić and Nikola Vlašić to advance to the knockout rounds as group runners-up. For fixtures and broadcast details, see our World Cup Canada hub and where to watch in Canada; all subsequent scheduling and changes follow FIFA’s official announcements.
Leave a Reply