Panama eliminated from World Cup after Budimir strike

Panama are out

Croatia 1–0 Panama, and your World Cup is over. Ante Budimir came off the bench and scored the only goal, knocking Panama out after two matches (1) (3). The team held firm for most of the night, frustrating a Croatia side that never really got going, but one moment undid everything (6) (8). Zlatko Dalic admitted afterwards: "I am very happy that we won today and can dedicate this victory to Luka" (1) (4). That tribute was for Luka Modric, playing in his final World Cup and now part of an exclusive club alongside Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo with six tournament appearances (13).

Two games, zero goals

Panama leave the 2026 World Cup without scoring a single goal from open play. The only goal of the tournament came deep in stoppage time against Ghana, and it was too late to change anything. The attack never clicked, and Christiansen's side could not find a way through Croatia despite keeping the game tight for long stretches (6) (7). Dalic himself said he did not expect such a difficult match (7).

Henry: they should be proud

Thierry Henry, working as a pundit for Fox, had warm words for Panama after the final whistle. "They should be proud," he said (2). Small consolation, but the performance against Croatia earned respect, even as the result sends the team home.

England wait, group goes to the wire

England drew with Ghana, which means the group is still open. England fans are already looking at their match against Panama as the one that should seal qualification (11). Croatia now face England to decide the group, while Panama play Ghana in a match neither side expected would be a dead rubber.

Fan reactions

The mood among Panama supporters is raw. The stat that stings most: Panama join Haiti and Turkey as the only teams eliminated without scoring a goal, and Reddit is not letting that slide. One thread simply notes the elimination, but the BBC stat post is where the real conversation lives. It is a harsh way to bow out, and fans are not hiding their frustration. Read the discussion here