FIFA World Cup: Ante Budimir Scores as Croatia Stay Alive, Panama Eliminated

Vancouver: Croatia revived their FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes after Ante Budimir's decisive goal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in a crucial Group L encounter on Monday.

The veteran striker struck midway through the second half to hand Zlatko Dalić's side all three points and keep their qualification hopes intact heading into the final round of group-stage matches.

Croatia entered the contest under pressure following a 4-2 defeat to England in their opening fixture. Another setback against Panama would have severely dented their chances of reaching the Round of 32, making the encounter a must-win affair for the 2018 World Cup finalists.

Despite dominating possession for long periods, Croatia struggled to break down a disciplined Panama defence during a tense first half. Luka Modrić orchestrated play from midfield, while Josko Gvardiol and Marcelo Brozović helped Croatia control the tempo, but clear-cut chances remained limited.

The breakthrough finally arrived after the interval when Budimir capitalised on a well-worked attacking move to fire home the game's only goal. The strike sparked celebrations among Croatian supporters and shifted the momentum firmly in their side's favour.

Panama attempted to respond in the closing stages, knowing that defeat would end their hopes of advancing from Group L. However, Croatia's defence remained resolute, denying the Central American side a route back into the contest.

The victory moved Croatia onto three points from two matches and ensured qualification remains within reach ahead of their decisive final group game against Ghana. A positive result in that fixture could be enough to secure a place in the knockout rounds, depending on results elsewhere in the group.

For Panama, the defeat confirmed an early exit from the tournament. Having lost their opening match to Ghana before falling to Croatia, they can no longer finish among the positions required for progression to the expanded Round of 32.

Group L remains finely poised, with England already well placed after taking four points from their first two matches, while Ghana and Croatia continue to battle for qualification heading into the final round of fixtures.

Croatia will now turn their attention to the clash with Ghana, knowing that another strong performance could extend their World Cup journey, while Panama will look to finish their campaign on a positive note despite elimination.