Panama out of FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeat to Croatia
The match was played at BMO Field in Toronto, with both teams knowing that a loss would mean the end of their World Cup journey. The pressure was clear from the start.
The first half had no goals, but it was far from boring. Panama was actually the better team early on. In the 23rd minute, Panama's Jose Luis Rodriguez headed the ball powerfully toward goal, but Croatia's goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic made a brilliant save, tipping it onto the crossbar.
At halftime, the score was still 0-0. Croatia's coach clearly felt something needed to change, because two substitutions were made at the break, Gvardiol and Musa came off, replaced by Budimir and Kramaric.
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That decision paid off. In the 54th minute, just nine minutes after coming on as a substitute, Ante Budimir gave Croatia the lead. He tapped the ball into the net at the back post after Josip Stanisic delivered a perfectly placed low cross from the right side.
In the 67th minute, Panama had three chances in quick succession to level the score, but none of them found the net. Livakovic was in inspired form in goal, making save after save to deny Panama's attacks.
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By the final whistle, Croatia held on to secure all three points. The win moved Croatia closer to the knockout stages, while confirming the worst outcome for Panama.
Panama have now lost both of their opening matches by an identical 0-1 scoreline, first against Ghana and now against Croatia. With two defeats from two games, they have been mathematically eliminated from the tournament with one match still left to play.
