The second-round clash in Group L was billed as a battle for survival at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and it lived up to its billing. Following a disappointing 4-2 defeat to England and Panama's heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Ghana deep into stoppage time, both sides entered the contest knowing that defeat would leave their knockout-stage hopes hanging by a thread.

Before kick-off, much of the spotlight was on Luka Modric. The legendary captain made his 200th appearance for Croatia, a remarkable milestone in one of international football's most distinguished careers. His teammates were determined to ensure the occasion would be remembered for the right reasons.

However, the European side quickly discovered that breaking down Panama would be anything but straightforward. Missing influential midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla through injury, the Central Americans responded by building a disciplined defensive structure that frustrated Croatia throughout the opening period.

Zlatko Dalic's team controlled 64 percent of possession in the first half, yet struggled to create genuine scoring opportunities. In fact, it was Panama who looked more threatening on several occasions, forcing goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic into a series of outstanding saves that prevented a major upset.

Recognising that his side lacked attacking spark, Zlatko Dalic made decisive changes at halftime. Off came Petar Musa and defender Josko Gvardiol, with experienced forwards Andrej Kramaric and Ante Budimir introduced in a bold tactical reshuffle.

The impact was immediate. Croatia increased the tempo, pushed higher up the pitch and began asking far more difficult questions of the Panamanian defence. Their breakthrough finally arrived in the 54th minute when substitute Ante Budimir reacted quickest inside the penalty area and calmly slotted past goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.

Once ahead, the experienced Croatian side expertly managed the contest. Rather than chase additional goals, they slowed the tempo, controlled possession and denied Panama any opportunity to build momentum.

The final whistle confirmed a narrow but hugely significant 1-0 victory for Croatia. The three points revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and put them firmly back in contention in Group L.

World Cup 2026

Panama - Croatia 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: Budimir, 54 (0:1)

Panama: Mosquera Or.; Blackman (Davis E., 90); Córdoba J.; Ramos (Waterman, 77); Andrade A.; Murillo А.; Martínez Cr.; Harvey; Bárcenas (Rodríguez T., 90); Puma; Fajardo (Londoño, 83)
Substitution: Waterman (from 77); Londoño (from 83); Davis E. (from 90); Rodríguez T. (from 90)
Bench: Mejía; Samudio; Fariña; Gutiérrez; Escobar F.; Miller R.; Carrasquilla; Díaz I.; Quintero A.; Godoy; Yanis
Yellow Cards: Bárcenas 61

Croatia: Livaković; Gvardiol (Kramaric, 46); Sutalo J.; Stanisic; Pongracic; Pašalić Marco (Sucic L., 72); Kovacic M. (Sucic P., 72); Modric (Pasalic Mario, 81); Perišić I.; Baturina M.; Musa P. (Budimir, 46)
Substitution: Budimir (from 46); Kramaric (from 46); Sucic P. (from 72); Sucic L. (from 72); Pasalic Mario (from 81)
Bench: Pandur; Kotarski; Caleta-Car; Vuskovic L.; Erlic; Moro N.; Vlašić; Jakic; Fruk; Matanovic
Yellow Cards: Sucic P. 92