Croatia secured a 1-0 victory over Panama on June 23, 2026, at Toronto Stadium, eliminating the Central American side from contention for the 2026 World Cup. The lone goal proved decisive in the neutral‑venue match that served as a qualifier for the upcoming tournament.
The win was confirmed by the match report, which recorded a single goal deciding the outcome. Croatia’s squad featured forward Ante Budimir among its ranks, contributing to the team’s overall performance throughout the game.
Toronto hosted the fixture with a sizable assembly of supporters, many of whom wore Croatia’s traditional red‑and‑white checkered jerseys. The crowd’s presence underscored the enthusiasm of the diaspora and local fans for the visiting team.
Panama entered the match needing a result to keep its qualification hopes alive, but the defeat ended its bid for a place in the World Cup. The loss means Panama will no longer be in the race for the tournament scheduled to begin later this year.
The match formed part of the CONCACAF and UEFA qualifying process, with the neutral site chosen to accommodate both teams and their supporters. With the 1-0 scoreline, Croatia advances its campaign, while Panama’s campaign concludes.
The result adds to Croatia’s qualifying record as they continue to pursue a spot in the World Cup, while Panama must now look ahead to future competitions beyond the 2026 edition.