Modric marks 200th cap as Croatia beat Panama to keep World Cup hopes alive

Croatia kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup round-of-32 hopes alive Wednesday, defeating Panama 1-0 with veteran midfielder Luka Modric of AC Milan playing a key role.

The Group L second-round match was played at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Canada.

The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both sides pressing hard but failing to find the net.

The deadlock broke after halftime. Substitute Amer Budimir, who came on at the start of the second half, converted a cross from Josip Stanisic with his left foot to give Croatia the lead. Panama pushed hard for an equalizer but could not break through, and the match ended 1-0.

The match was also Modric's 200th international appearance. He made his Croatia debut in 2006 and is now competing at his fifth World Cup, having led the team to the runner-up finish in 2018 and to third place in 2022.

Modric showed no signs of slowing down, playing with his trademark energy throughout. In the 47th minute, he threaded a forward pass to set up Mario Pasalic in a one-on-one situation during a counterattack. He stayed on the pitch until the 81st minute, logging roughly 80 minutes of play.

The victory revives Croatia's chances of advancing to the round of 32. They must win their final group game against Ghana on June 28 to secure a place in the knockout stage. Panama, meanwhile, are eliminated after two straight defeats.