Panama’s World Cup run is over after another painful, low-margin defeat. The Central American side lost 1-0 to Croatia on Tuesday night at Toronto Stadium, a result that eliminated Panama from Group L after two matches and kept Croatia alive in the race for the knockout round.
Ante Budimir scored the only goal in the 54th minute, finishing from close range after Josip Stanišić sent a cross across the face of goal. The goal came shortly after halftime, when Croatia changed its attack and began to find more room against a Panama team that had frustrated one of Europe’s most experienced sides for much of the first half.
For Panama, the loss was almost identical in weight to its opening match. Thomas Christiansen’s team also lost 1-0 to Ghana, leaving Panama with two defeats, no goals scored and no path to the Round of 32 before its final group match against England.
It was a harsh ending for a team that again made the game uncomfortable for a more decorated opponent. Panama defended in numbers, broke quickly down the wings and had several moments that left Croatia uneasy. José Luis Rodríguez nearly gave Panama the lead before halftime with a header that forced goalkeeper Dominik Livaković to touch the ball onto the crossbar.
Panama also pushed after falling behind. Carlos Harvey had one of the team’s clearest second-half chances, but Livaković again intervened. In the final minutes, Panama won a dangerous free kick near the edge of the area, but Amir Murillo sent the attempt over the bar.
The numbers told part of the story. Panama finished with eight shots to Croatia’s six, though only one of Panama’s efforts was on target. Croatia put two shots on goal and converted the decisive one. Christiansen said after the match that Panama had played well but had little to show for it.
“I think we had a good game but we got very little,” he told reporters. The loss leaves Panama still searching for its first World Cup victory. The country made its World Cup debut in 2018 and returned in 2026 with a more experienced generation, but the breakthrough win remains out of reach.
Still, Panama’s performances were not the same as its rough introduction to the tournament eight years ago. Against Ghana and Croatia, Panama was competitive, organized and difficult to break down. The problem was finishing. At this level, one missed chance or one defensive lapse is often enough to decide a match.
Croatia, meanwhile, needed the result badly after opening with a 4-2 loss to England. Budimir’s goal gave Croatia its first three points and moved it back into contention before a final group match against Ghana. The night also carried personal significance for Luka Modrić, who made his 200th appearance for Croatia. His teammates celebrated the milestone after the final whistle, but Croatia’s bigger relief was staying alive in a group that remains open behind England and Ghana.
Panama will close its tournament Saturday against England. The match no longer carries qualification stakes for Panama, but it still offers one last chance to leave the tournament with a result and a first World Cup win.
For a team that came to North America hoping to turn regional progress into a global statement, the ending will sting. Panama was not overrun. It was not embarrassed. It was simply punished for the narrow details that decide World Cup matches.
