Croatia faced mounting pressure to win against Panama after England defeated them in a prior match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Having previously achieved second and third place finishes in recent World Cups, Croatia, led by veteran Luka Modrić, needs a victory to avoid early elimination from the group stage. The match against Panama, considered a weaker opponent, is crucial for their tournament hopes. The game commenced late, starting at 01:00 local time, highlighting the urgency of the situation for the Croatian team. A win is virtually essential to maintain their competitive standing. Late in the game, substitute Budimir scored, giving Croatia the lead. This victory is vital for Croatia’s progression in the tournament.