Substitute Ante Budimir emerged as Croatia's unlikely hero, scoring the decisive goal in a tense 1-0 victory over Panama that kept the European side's FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes alive while ending Panama's dream of reaching the knockout stage. In a match loaded with pressure at Toronto Stadium, both teams entered knowing that defeat would almost certainly spell elimination after England and Ghana played out a goalless draw earlier in the day. Croatia responded when it mattered most, collecting their first three points of the tournament and setting up a decisive final Group L showdown with Ghana.
Budimir's Second-Half Strike Decides Tight Contest
After a tightly contested and physical first half, Croatia finally found a breakthrough eight minutes after the restart. A clever attacking move down the right flank saw Josip Stanisic deliver a dangerous low cross following an inventive backheel from Marco Pasalic. Budimir, introduced at halftime, arrived perfectly at the back post to steer the ball home and spark celebrations among the Croatian supporters. Panama, however, refused to surrender. The Central Americans created several promising opportunities and looked dangerous on the counterattack throughout the evening. Their best chance came in the 68th minute when Carlos Harvey's powerful header appeared destined for the net, only for Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to produce a superb fingertip save.
Livakovic and Modric Shine for Croatia
Livakovic was instrumental throughout the contest, preserving Croatia's slender advantage with a series of important interventions. Panama ultimately paid the price for failing to convert their opportunities despite matching Croatia in intensity and commitment. The victory also provided a memorable moment for Croatia captain Luka Modric, who made his 200th international appearance. The 40-year-old midfield maestro once again dictated play with his trademark composure and leadership, earning praise from coach Zlatko Dalic after the match. Croatia now face Ghana in a crucial final group encounter, while Panama will conclude their campaign against England, still searching for their first-ever World Cup victory.
Colombia Reach Round of 32 After Edging DR Congo
Daniel Munoz's second-half strike secured Colombia a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 as the South Americans overcame a resilient DR Congo side 1-0 in a hard-fought Group K encounter. The victory lifted Colombia to six points from two matches and guaranteed their progression to the knockout stage ahead of their final group fixture against Portugal. Despite dominating possession and creating a stream of opportunities, Colombia were repeatedly denied by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, whose outstanding performance kept his side in contention for much of the match. Veteran playmaker James Rodriguez, making his 10th World Cup appearance to equal a Colombian record shared with Freddy Rincon and Carlos Valderrama, tested Mpasi early. Luis Diaz and Jhon Arias also came close as Colombia piled on the pressure.
Munoz Breaks DR Congo Resistance
DR Congo, encouraged by their opening draw against Portugal, threatened intermittently through Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu and Edo Kayembe but struggled to convert promising attacks into clear chances. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute when Munoz found space inside the penalty area and fired past the outstanding Mpasi, ending the goalkeeper's resistance and sending Colombian supporters into celebration. “Just because I scored the goal doesn't make me the hero,” Munoz said after the match. “This victory belongs to the entire team. We are one family.” Colombia nearly doubled their advantage late on through Diaz, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
England Stalled by Resolute Ghana in Goalless Draw
Ghana delivered a disciplined defensive performance to hold England to a 0-0 draw in a tense FIFA World Cup Group L encounter, earning a valuable point and keeping their knockout-stage hopes firmly on track. Fresh from a 4-2 victory over Croatia, England entered the match as favourites but struggled to break down a well-organised Ghana side determined to frustrate Thomas Tuchel's men. Despite dominating possession and controlling much of the play, the Three Lions rarely threatened a Ghana defence that remained compact and composed throughout. Played under steady drizzle near Boston, the first half produced few clear opportunities and became the first match at the tournament in which neither team managed a shot on target before the break. Tuchel introduced Bukayo Saka, Nico O'Reilly, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze and Marcus Rashford in search of a breakthrough, but Ghana continued to defend resolutely while posing a threat on the counterattack through Antoine Semenyo and Prince Kwabena Adu.
Kane Misses Late Chance
England's best chance arrived in the 86th minute when O'Reilly's header struck the crossbar before Harry Kane blasted the rebound over from close range. “I'm backing myself to score that more often than not,” Kane said afterwards.
