Foxborough: A crucial second-half goal from substitute Ante Budimir ensured Croatia kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign alive with a gritty 1-0 victory over Panama at the Toronto Stadium.

The first half was a largely plodding affair, with both teams struggling to find fluency or carve out clear-cut chances. Croatia, who entered the fixture under immense pressure following an opening 4-2 defeat to England, found it difficult to breach a tightly compacted Panamanian defensive line. Panama created the half's most dangerous opening when winger José Luis Rodríguez met an inviting cross with a powerful header, only for Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković to execute a brilliant reflex save to tip the ball onto the crossbar.

Seeking an attacking spark, Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić made a decisive double substitution at half-time, bringing on Andrej Kramarić and Ante Budimir to replace Petar Musa and Joško Gvardiol. The tactical switch yielded immediate dividends. In the 54th minute, a slick attacking sequence down the right flank culminated in Bayern Munich defender Josip Stanišić delivering a low, driven cross across the face of the goal, which Budimir perfectly timed to bundle home at the back post.

Panama refused to back down after falling behind and threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser. However, Croatia's defence stood firm against the late onslaught. Despite Panama's intense pressure and a series of late set-pieces, they lacked precision in the final third. Croatia almost doubled their advantage on a swift counter-attack when Marco Pašalić found himself clean through on goal, but his initial effort was well smothered by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera before he skied the rebound into the stands.

The fixture also marked an iconic personal milestone for midfield maestro Luka Modrić, who earned his historic 200th international appearance for Croatia before being subbed off to a resounding ovation in the 82nd minute.

The final whistle confirmed a vital three points for the European side. The result leaves Croatia firmly back in contention for qualification to the knockout Round of 32 from Group L, while rendering Panama the first team in the group to be mathematically eliminated from the tournament after suffering consecutive defeats.