World Cup 2026: Croatia edge Panama 1-0 thanks to Budimir

Croatia won their 2026 World Cup group-stage match against Panama 1-0 on June 24 at BMO Field. The decisive goal was scored by Ante Budimir in the 54th minute, giving his team three important points in Group L.

The match brought together two teams that had both lost their opening group game. Panama had suffered a 0-1 defeat against Ghana, while Croatia had been beaten 2-4 by England. This Croatian victory therefore slightly reopens the competition in a group currently led by England and Ghana.

Panama, playing in a 5-4-1 under Thomas Christiansen, were unable to make the most of their rare chances. Their goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera made a few saves, but the team struggled against a Croatian side that clearly dominated possession (64%). For Croatia, Zlatko Dalic set up in a 4-2-3-1 with leading figures such as Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić and Ivan Perišić, most of them starters in this match.

After a goalless start, Croatia changed their lineup at half-time, introducing Ante Budimir and Joško Gvardiol, who were quickly involved in the opening goal in the 54th minute, with Budimir turning in a cross from Josip Stanišić. Despite a Panamanian response and several changes on both sides, the score did not change again.

Panama received a yellow card for Yoel Bárcenas in the 61st minute, while Croatia’s Petar Sučić was booked in stoppage time. The substitutions notably included Luka Modrić coming on in the 81st minute, a sign of Croatia’s depth as they calmly managed the end of the match.

Panama’s 5-4-1 choices to contain Croatia

Panama coach Thomas Christiansen opted for a defensive setup strictly focused on solidity at the back with five defenders. Among the starters, goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera was protected by a defensive line comprising Amir Murillo, Jiovany Ramos, José Córdoba, Andrés Andrade and César Blackman. The midfield combined Cristian Martínez, Carlos Harvey, Yoel Bárcenas and José Luis Rodríguez, while José Fajardo was alone up front, chosen to try to respond to Croatia’s strength.

This setup was intended to limit spaces and counter Croatia’s technical control, but the visitors’ clear advantage in possession made it difficult for Panama to build play. The lack of clear-cut chances can be explained by this cautious strategy at the expense of attacking ambition.

Croatia rely on their 4-2-3-1 with Budimir on target

Zlatko Dalic fielded an experienced team in a 4-2-3-1 with Dominik Livaković in goal and a defense made up of Josip Stanišić, Josip Šutalo, Marin Pongračić and Joško Gvardiol. The double pivot in midfield consisted of Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić, providing control of the game and significant technical quality. Ahead of them, Marco Pašalić, Martin Baturina and Ivan Perišić supplied the attack, with Petar Musa leading the line.

The half-time changes, including the introduction of Ante Budimir, brought greater attacking presence. Budimir made his impact count by scoring the decisive goal. Croatia’s management of the closing stages showed their control as they preserved the lead and got their campaign back on track after their opening defeat.

Panama

Finished 0-1 BMO Field

Croatia

24/06/2026 00:00 · Group L

Fil du match

1. 46'↑↓Remplacement - P. Musa (remplace A. Budimir)Croatie, 46e
2. 46'↑↓Remplacement - J. Gvardiol (remplace A. Kramaric)Croatie, 46e
3. 54'⚽But - A. Budimir (passe J. Stanisic)Croatie, 54e
4. 61'Carton jaune - Y. BarcenasPanama, 61e
5. 72'↑↓Remplacement - M. Pasalic (remplace L. Sucic)Croatie, 72e
6. 72'↑↓Remplacement - M. Kovacic (remplace P. Sucic)Croatie, 72e
7. 77'↑↓Remplacement - J. Ramos (remplace C. Waterman)Panama, 77e
8. 81'↑↓Remplacement - L. Modric (remplace M. Pasalic)Croatie, 81e
9. 83'↑↓Remplacement - J. Fajardo (remplace A. Londono)Panama, 83e
10. 90'↑↓Remplacement - Y. Barcenas (remplace T. Rodriguez)Panama, 90e
11. 90'↑↓Remplacement - C. Blackman (remplace E. Davis)Panama, 90e
12. 90+2'Carton jaune - P. SucicCroatie, 90+2e

Les chiffres du match

• Tirs cadres : Panama 0 / Croatia 1
• Tirs : Panama 1 / Croatia 2
• Possession : Panama 36% / Croatia 64%
• Corners : Panama 0 / Croatia 1
• Fautes : Panama 9 / Croatia 5
• Passes : Panama 172 / Croatia 310
• Precision des passes : Panama 79% / Croatia 88%
• xG : Panama 0.06 / Croatia 0.05

Joueurs clés

• Josip Šutalo (Croatia) : note 7.2
• Orlando Mosquera (Panama) : note 6.6, 1 arret(s)
• Yoel Bárcenas (Panama) : note 7
• Amir Murillo (Panama) : note 6.9
• Jiovany Ramos (Panama) : note 6.9

Group L schedule

View full schedule

View match details for England - Croatia

17/06 Group L

England

Finished 4-2 AT&T Stadium

Croatia

View match details for Ghana - Panama

18/06 Group L

Ghana

Finished 1-0 BMO Field

Panama

View match details for England - Ghana

23/06 Group L

England

Finished 0-0 Gillette Stadium

Ghana

View match details for Panama - Croatia

24/06 Group L

Panama

Finished 0-1 BMO Field

Croatia

View match details for Panama - England

27/06 Group L

Panama

Upcoming 22:00 MetLife Stadium

England

View match details for Croatia - Ghana

27/06 Group L

Croatia

Upcoming 22:00 Lincoln Financial Field

Ghana