Croatia defeated Panama 1-0 in a hard-fought match played in Toronto. The game remained scoreless until the second half when Budimir, a halftime substitute, scored the winning goal. Panama presented a strong challenge, making Croatia work for the victory. This win places Croatia in a favorable position within Group L of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The team now prepares for a crucial final match against Ghana to solidify their standing. The performance, however, was described as unconvincing despite the result. The Croatian team will need to improve their form for the upcoming match.