Panama push falls short in loss to Croatia

Panama lost 1-0 to Croatia on its second World Cup match in Group L.

TORONTO – The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued as Panama fell 1-0 to Croatia in Group L on Thursday at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The Panama defensive line held the Croatian attack at bay in the first half as the encounter remained scoreless through the halftime break.

Croatia broke the deadlock in the 54’ thanks to Ante Budimir, who found space in the box to send the ball to the back of the net.

The Central Americans tried to pull one back with a free kick in the 90'+2’, but the ball was wide as the Central Americans’ chances to advance in the tournament came to an end.

Panama’s final match in Group L will be against England on Saturday, 3:00 PM ET (3:00 PM local) at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.

Post-Match Data

• Panama has reached halftime without allowing a goal in four of their five FIFA World Cup matches.
• After not conceding a single shot to Ghana in the first half of their opening match, Panama conceded only two attempts to Croatia before halftime today.
• Panama have nowdelivered 50 crosses in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, already 16 more than in their previous participation (34 through three games in 2018).
• Panama is the second Concacaf team to prevent Croatia from taking any shots on target in the first half of a FIFA World Cup match, following Mexico in 2014.
• Panama recorded 29 crosses, 20 touches in the opponent's box, and completed nine dribbles against Croatia, marking its highest totals in those categories in a FIFA World Cup match.
• Yoel Barcenas became the first Panamanian player to complete more than 90% of his passes in two different matches at a FIFA World Cup, among players who attempted 40 or more passes. He did so against Ghana (52/56 – 93%) and today against Croatia (40/44 – 91%).
• Right wing-back Amir Murillo led Panama against Croatia in total shots (3), touches in the opponent’s box (6), dribbles attempted (6) and completed (2).