Croatia Secures First Win in Group L
Ante Budimir scored the decisive goal as Croatia defeated Panama 1-0 in a Group L match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 24, 2026. The result eliminated Panama from the tournament, while Croatia kept their knockout stage hopes alive.
Both teams entered the match searching for their first points after losing their opening games. Croatia fell to England 2-1, while Panama lost 3-0 to Ghana. The earlier group match between England and Ghana ended in a 0-0 draw, leaving the group wide open.
Match Details
The only goal came in the 57th minute when Budimir latched onto a through ball and slotted past the Panamanian goalkeeper. Croatia dominated possession with 62% and created several chances, but Panama's defense held firm until the breakthrough.
Panama pushed for an equalizer in the final minutes but failed to test Croatia's goalkeeper. The win moved Croatia to three points, level with England and Ghana, while Panama remained on zero points and eliminated from the competition.
Group L Standings and Implications
After the match, Group L standings saw England and Ghana tied on four points each, with Croatia on three points. Panama's loss confirmed their exit from the World Cup. Croatia will face Ghana in their final group match, needing a win to secure qualification.
According to Reuters, the result keeps Croatia's campaign alive after a disappointing start. Coach Zlatko Dalić praised his team's resilience, saying, "We knew this was a must-win game. The players showed character and we now have a chance to advance."
Key Statistics
- Ante Budimir's goal was his first of the tournament.
- Croatia had 62% possession and 12 shots, while Panama managed 4 shots.
- The match was played at a venue in the United States as part of the 2026 World Cup hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.
