The veteran striker comes off the bench to score the winner as Zlatko Dalić’s side revives its World Cup hopes and sends Panama home.
Croatia finally has liftoff at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After the entertaining 4-2 defeat against England in their opening match, Zlatko Dalić’s men responded with a narrow but precious 1-0 victory over Panama, keeping their Round of 32 aspirations alive and setting up a decisive showdown against Ghana in the final group game.
It was far from a vintage Croatian performance, but at this stage of the tournament results matter more than style. Ante Budimir emerged as the unlikely hero, scoring shortly after coming off the bench and delivering three points that could completely reshape Group L.
Panama entered the match desperate to recover from the heartbreaking stoppage-time defeat suffered against Ghana. Thomas Christiansen’s side showed determination and defensive discipline but once again struggled to convert possession into clear opportunities.
Croatia controlled much of the ball during the opening period, with Luka Modrić dictating the tempo and Martin Baturina attempting to unlock the Panamanian backline. However, Dominik Livaković was largely a spectator as Panama rarely threatened.
Recognizing the need for a more physical presence in attack, Dalić introduced Budimir at halftime in place of Petar Musa. The substitution proved decisive almost immediately.
Just nine minutes into the second half, Croatia found the breakthrough. Budimir timed his movement perfectly inside the penalty area and finished clinically to beat Mosquera and give the Vatreni the lead.
Panama pushed forward in the closing stages, bringing on experienced striker Cecilio Waterman and youngster Londono, but Croatia defended resolutely and never truly looked in danger.
The victory moves Croatia to three points and back into contention, while Panama becomes the first team officially eliminated from Group L.
With England and Ghana drawing 0-0 earlier in the day, the group remains completely open heading into the final round of fixtures.
Match Report
Panama 0-1 Croatia
Scorer:
54′ Budimir (CRO)
Panama (3-4-3)
Mosquera; Ramos (77′ Waterman), Córdoba, Andrade; Murillo, Harvey, Bárcenas (90′ Davis), Blackman; Martínez, Fajardo (83′ Londono), Rodríguez.
Coach: Thomas Christiansen
Croatia (4-2-3-1)
Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Pongračić, Gvardiol (46′ Kramarić); Modrić (81′ Mario Pašalić), Kovačić (62′ Petar Sučić); Lovro Pašalić (62′ Luka Sučić), Baturina, Perišić; Musa (46′ Budimir).
Coach: Zlatko Dalić
Referee: Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon)
Yellow Cards: Bárcenas (PAN), Petar Sučić (CRO)
Red Cards: None
Group L Standings
| Team | Pts | GD |
|---|---|---|
| England | 4 | +2 |
| Ghana | 4 | +1 |
| Croatia | 3 | -1 |
| Panama | 0 | -2 |
Croatia will face Ghana in a winner-takes-all clash, while England only needs a draw against already-eliminated Panama to advance.
