Croatia defeated Panama on June 23, 2026, eliminating the Panamanian team from the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup [1, 2].
The victory ensures Croatia continues its run in the knockout stage of the tournament, while Panama's campaign ends in Canada.
The match took place at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Canada [3]. Kickoff was scheduled for 7 p.m. ET [3], which corresponded to 6 p.m. CT [4].
The game remained tense until the final moments of regulation. Ante Budimir secured the win for Croatia by scoring in the 90+5 minute [2], a late strike that sealed Panama's exit from the competition.
Beyond the result, the match marked a historic individual milestone. Luka Modrić earned his 200th international cap during the appearance [1]. This achievement places Modrić in a rare tier of longevity and consistency in international football.
Panama struggled to find a breakthrough against the Croatian defense throughout the match. The loss marks a disappointing end to their journey in the 2026 tournament after reaching the Round of 32 [1, 2].
“Croatia defeated Panama, eliminating Panama from the Round of 32”
Croatia's ability to secure a win in stoppage time demonstrates a mental resilience that often defines their deep tournament runs. The milestone achieved by Luka Modrić further cements his legacy as one of the most durable players in the history of the sport, while Panama's exit highlights the difficulty smaller nations face when attempting to break through the knockout stages against established European powers.
