Croatia Edge Panama as Modric Celebrates 200th Cap in World Cup Win

Croatia began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama at Toronto Stadium, securing three crucial points while ending Panama’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.

The match also marked a historic milestone for Croatian captain Luka Modric, who made his 200th international appearance for the national team.

Panama started brightly and looked the more dangerous side during the opening half. Their best opportunity came in the 23rd minute when Jose Luis Rodriguez rose highest to meet a cross, only for Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to produce a superb save and tip the powerful header onto the crossbar.

Croatia improved after the break and found the breakthrough in the 54th minute. Substitute Ante Budimir arrived at the back post to convert a precise low cross from Josip Stanisic, giving Zlatko Dalic’s men a vital lead.

The Europeans nearly doubled their advantage moments later when Marco Pasalic was denied by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera before sending the rebound over the bar.

Panama continued to press for an equaliser and created several promising chances, but Livakovic stood firm with a series of impressive saves to preserve Croatia’s slender lead.

Despite an energetic and determined performance, Panama were unable to find the breakthrough and were left without a point, confirming their elimination from the tournament with one group-stage match remaining.

The victory was particularly special for Modric, who once again demonstrated his quality and leadership on football’s biggest stage.

After the match, Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic praised both his opponents and his captain's landmark achievement.

"I want to congratulate the opponent, who was very good today and gave us a lot of difficulties. To be honest, I didn’t expect it to be this difficult. We didn’t react the best, maybe that was due to the pressure as we really needed these three points. I’m glad we were able to win Luka’s 200th game. He played excellently today, at 40 years of age. We’re so happy to have him in the national team."

Chosen by the fans: Cristian Martínez, your@MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match. #FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/WfDcTHDG2G

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 24, 2026

Panama’s Cristian Martinez was named Player of the Match for an outstanding individual display despite his team’s defeat.
With the win, Croatia take an important step forward in their World Cup journey, while Panama bow out of the competition after a spirited performance that deserved more reward.