Croatia Edge Out Panama 1-0 For First 2026 World Cup Win

WASHINGTON, June 24 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Croatia earned a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama on Tuesday, securing their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

In a tightly contested match between two sides searching for their first points in Group L, both teams struggled to break the deadlock in a goalless first half in Toronto.

Croatia eventually found the breakthrough in the 54th minute when Ante Budimir finished from close range after a cross from Josip Stanisic.

The result marked an important response for Croatia following their opening 4-2 defeat to England, while Panama suffered a second straight narrow loss after a 1-0 defeat to Ghana.

The defeat left Panama eliminated from knockout-stage contention, becoming the fifth team to exit the competition.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU