FIFA World Cup 2026: Croatia’s hard-fought win sends Panama packing

Croatia kick-started their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama, a result that also confirmed Los Canaleros‘ elimination from the competition with one game remaining.

Panama were the better side in the first half at Toronto Stadium, and very nearly opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic did superbly to tip Jose Luis Rodriguez’s powerful header on to the crossbar.

Croatia established more of a foothold after the interval though, and took the lead in the 54th minute when substitute Ante Budimir tucked in at the back post after Josip Stanisic’s delicious low cross from the right.

Marco Pasalic had a glorious chance to double his side’s lead three minutes later, but was first denied by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera and then blazed the rebound off target.

Panama also continued to threaten, but found Livakovic in inspired form between the posts and were unable to muster the goal they needed to secure a maiden World Cup point.

Instead it was all smiles for Croatia and their inspirational captain Luka Modric, who celebrated his 200th international cap with yet another win on football’s greatest stage. (FIFA)