Budimir Strike Keeps Croatia in 2026 World Cup Contention With Win Over Panama
Croatia kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive by defeating Panama 1-0 in Toronto on Wednesday. Ante Budimir scored in the 54th minute to earn the victory that lifted his team to third place in Group L with three points. FIFA standings show England and Ghana tied on four points at the top of the group, with Panama eliminated at the bottom on zero.
The Qatar News Agency said the goal came shortly after half-time when the substitute Budimir converted a cross that the Panamanian defence failed to clear. This result followed Croatia’s loss to England in their first match of the group stage. It also coincided with Luka Modric reaching 200 international caps, a landmark achievement for the veteran playmaker.
FIFA records place Croatia among the most successful teams in recent World Cups, with podium finishes in 1998, 2018 and 2022. The squad has qualified for all seven tournaments it has entered since independence, demonstrating consistent excellence. Their FIFA world ranking of 11th reflects their status as one of Europe’s stronger sides outside the traditional elites.
According to Sky Sports, the group consists of England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama, with the top two advancing to the round of 32 and the possibility for the third team to progress based on performance rankings. Ghana earned four points from a win and a draw, matching England’s tally despite the latter’s victory over Croatia. Panama have struggled, failing to score in either of their matches. ESPN’s coverage of the match emphasised how the tight contest saw Croatia control much of the play while Panama defended resolutely until the breakthrough.
Budimir’s finish proved decisive in a game of few clear chances. The win ensures that Croatia remain in a position to qualify with one game remaining. The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup has created opportunities for teams to advance from the group stage even from third position in some cases.
Croatia are scheduled to play Ghana in Philadelphia on Saturday, a match that will decide their fate in the competition. Panama will face England in New Jersey in the other group game on the same day. Outcomes from these encounters will finalise the standings in Group L for the co-hosted tournament in North America.
