Croatia kept their World Cup 2026 knockout-stage hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Panama in Group 12, played in the early hours of this morning at Toronto Stadium.
Ante Budimir scored the only goal in the 54th minute, handing Croatia their first three points of the tournament and lifting them to third in the group standings. Panama remain bottom with no points and are officially eliminated from the competition.
England lead Group 12 with four points, level on the same tally with Ghana but ahead on goal difference. Croatia’s final group game is against Ghana, a result that will go a long way in deciding who advances alongside England. Panama and England meet in the other closing fixture.
The tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
