Modrić’s Historic 200th Cap Crowned With Victory as Budimir Sinks Panama

Luka Modrić walked onto the Toronto Stadium pitch for the 200th time in a Croatia shirt, and his teammates made sure he’d remember it. Substitute Ante Budimir struck nine minutes after coming on to give Croatia a crucial 1-0 win over Panama, reigniting their own World Cup hopes while officially eliminating Panama from the tournament after back-to-back defeats.

Panama vs Croatia 0-1 Highlights — World Cup 2026 Group L

It wasn’t pretty for long stretches, and for much of the first half, Panama looked like the better side. But Croatia’s class and experience showed exactly when it mattered, securing their first three points of the tournament on the most fitting of days for their legendary captain.

Match Summary:

Luka Modrić’s Legendary Milestone — 200 Caps and Counting

At 40 years old, Modrić became just the fourth men’s player in history to reach 200 senior international appearances, joining the company of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The Real Madrid icon controlled the tempo from midfield all afternoon, completing 88% of his passes and even threading a gorgeous floated ball over Panama’s defence for Ivan Perišić in the first half. When he was withdrawn late on for Mario Pašalić, Modrić walked off to a standing ovation from the Toronto crowd — a fitting tribute on a landmark night, with teammates later lifting him in celebration after the final whistle.

Budimir’s Decisive Strike — Dalić’s Half-Time Gamble Pays Off

Croatia looked short of ideas for most of the first 45 minutes, prompting manager Zlatko Dalić into a bold double change at the break — withdrawing Petar Musa and Joško Gvardiol for Ante Budimir and Andrej Kramarić. The move paid off almost immediately. In the 54th minute, Josip Stanišić collected a clever backheel from Marco Pašalić and delivered a delicious low cross to the back post, where Budimir simply had to tap home his seventh goal in 39 caps. Pašalić nearly doubled the lead minutes later but was denied by Panama keeper Orlando Mosquera.

📺 Watch the full match highlights: Panama vs Croatia 0-1 — FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Highlights

Livaković’s Heroics Deny a Battling Panama Side

For long stretches, Panama was the more dangerous team. Their best chance of the match came in the 23rd minute, when José Luis Rodríguez powered a header toward goal that Dominik Livaković somehow tipped onto the crossbar with an acrobatic save. Panama continued pushing for an equalizer throughout the second half, and Livaković was forced into more heroics late on, denying a point-blank header at a corner to preserve the clean sheet. Michael Amir Murillo had one last opportunity in stoppage time, curling a free kick well wide of the target as Croatia held on.

Group L Outlook: Croatia Revived, Panama Eliminated

The result officially eliminates Panama from the 2026 World Cup, with one group game still to play against England, leaving them with pride alone to play for. Croatia, meanwhile, climb to third in Group L and will face Ghana in a must-not-lose finale, knowing a win — or possibly even a draw — could be enough to send them through to the Round of 32.

For full FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L results, Croatia and Panama match updates, and live coverage, visit fawanewss.co.uk.