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Panama Knocked Out of World Cup 2026 After 1-0 Loss to Croatia : The Tico Times | Costa Rica News

Ante Budimir scored the only goal as Croatia earned its first World Cup points and sent Panama out of the tournament.

  • On Tuesday, Croatia midfielder Luka Modric became the fourth men's player in history to reach 200 international appearances, joining Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Bader Al-Mutawa in an elite milestone.
  • Modric debuted in 2006, helping Croatia qualify for every tournament since; after starting with Dinamo Zagreb and moving to Tottenham, he spent 13 years at Real Madrid, winning the UEFA Champions League six times.
  • Ante Budimir secured a 1-0 victory for Croatia against Panama on Tuesday, guiding home a teasing cross from Josip Stanisic in the 53rd minute; Livakovic preserved the lead with a key save in the 68th minute.
  • Panama's loss eliminated the Central Americans from World Cup Group L, and Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic praised Modric, stating, "He is my right hand on the pitch," at The BMO Field in Toronto.
  • Croatia faces Ghana in their final group match, while Panama will play group leaders England on June 27 as Ghana sits level on four points with England.
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Lean Right

Luka Modrić (41, AC Milan), who is regarded as a ‘legendary midfielder’ representing Europe beyond Croatia, had a meaningful time. Croatia secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Panama in the second match of Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, held at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Canada on the 24th (Korean time).

Right

Croatia has the first victory in this final round! After the 2:4 against England, Panama was defeated without shining at 1-0. It was a historic match. Because: Croatia's captain Luka Modric completed his 200th international game. "Never would I have dreamed of reaching this number, Modric was touched.

·Vienna, Austria
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Lean Left

An American commentator believes that a refreshment break saved Croatia against Panama.

·Zagreb, Croatia
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Lean Left

Croatia defeated Panama 1-0 in Toronto and gained a good starting point for advancing to the knockout rounds.

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  • 38% of the sources lean Left, 38% of the sources lean Right
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Vanguardia broke the news on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
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