2026 FIFA World Cup — Group L, Matchday 2 | June 23 | Toronto Stadium, Toronto
TORONTO — Luka Modric made his 200th appearance for Croatia as the 2018 finalists secured a vital 1-0 victory over Panama to keep their Round of 32 hopes alive.
Ante Budimir, a half-time substitute, scored the only goal of the match in the 54th minute, finishing from Josip Stanisic’s cross. Panama fought hard — they had seven corners and matched Croatia for long stretches — but could not find an equalizer.
200 Games of Modric
Twenty years ago, a 20-year-old midfielder made his Croatia debut in a friendly against Argentina. On Monday night in Toronto, at the age of 40, Luka Modric played his 200th match for his country.
He is Croatia’s most-capped player. He is the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner. He led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and the 2022 semi-finals. And he is still playing.
Modric was substituted in the 82nd minute to a standing ovation from the entire stadium — Croatian and Panamanian fans alike.
Group L Standings
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 4 |
| 2 | Ghana | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 4 |
| 3 | Croatia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| 4 | Panama | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
Match Details:
- Panama 0-1 Croatia
- Venue: Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada
- Goal: Budimir 54′ (assist: Stanisic)
- Man of the Match: Luka Modric (Croatia)