FIFA World Cup 2026: Budimir Fires Croatia Past Panama as Ghana Hold England in Group L Thriller

Group L took another intriguing turn at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Croatia revived their qualification hopes with a hard-fought win over Panama, while Ghana produced a disciplined defensive display to hold England to a goalless draw. The results leave England and Ghana level on four points, with Croatia close behind on three, setting up a dramatic final round of group-stage fixtures.

How did Budimir rescue Croatia's World Cup campaign?

Croatia secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama at Toronto Stadium, bouncing back from their opening 4-2 defeat to England and keeping their World Cup hopes firmly alive.

The match began cautiously, with Panama displaying impressive organisation and physicality in midfield. Croatia struggled to impose themselves as Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic found little room to dictate play against Panama's aggressive pressing.

Panama nearly stunned the 2018 World Cup finalists in the 23rd minute when Jose Luis Rodriguez connected with a cross and powered a header towards goal. However, goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic produced a brilliant save, tipping the effort onto the crossbar.

Croatia improved significantly after the interval following tactical adjustments from coach Zlatko Dalic. The decisive moment arrived in the 54th minute when substitute Ante Budimir made an immediate impact. Josip Stanisic's low delivery from the right found Budimir unmarked at the far post, and the striker calmly converted from close range.

Panama responded positively and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Livakovic stood tall. The Croatian goalkeeper made a series of important saves, including a superb stop from close range during sustained Panamanian pressure.

Croatia had opportunities to seal the contest on the counterattack but could not add a second goal. Nevertheless, their defence remained resilient under late pressure to secure a valuable three points.

Why couldn't England break down Ghana's defence?

At Boston Stadium, Ghana delivered one of the most disciplined defensive performances of the tournament to earn a 0-0 draw against England.

After scoring four goals against Croatia in their opening match, England entered the contest as favourites. However, Carlos Queiroz's side executed their game plan perfectly, frustrating Thomas Tuchel's men throughout the match.

England controlled possession and dictated the tempo but found little space against Ghana's compact defensive structure. Harry Kane was largely isolated, while England's creative players struggled to penetrate a well-organised five-man backline supported by a hardworking midfield.

The first half produced a remarkable statistic. According to Opta, it became the first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 not to feature a single shot on target before halftime.

Seeking a breakthrough, Tuchel introduced Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze in the second half, while Jude Bellingham made way for Morgan Rogers. Despite being substituted, Bellingham achieved a notable milestone, becoming the youngest male player to reach 50 international caps at 22 years and 359 days.

England's urgency increased after the changes, with Saka providing greater attacking thrust down the right flank. Yet Ghana's defence remained resolute, consistently blocking passing lanes and clearing dangerous deliveries.

The closest England came to scoring arrived in the 87th minute when substitute Nico O'Reilly rattled the crossbar with a powerful header. Kane reacted quickest to the rebound but sent his effort over the bar from close range. Ghana then produced another vital intervention in stoppage time, clearing a goal-bound header off the line to preserve the draw.

What does it mean for Group L?

The results have left Group L finely poised heading into the final round of fixtures. England remain top of the group with four points, level with Ghana, while Croatia's victory over Panama moves them onto three points and back into contention for a place in the knockout stages.

With qualification still up for grabs, the final group matches promise high drama as England, Ghana and Croatia battle for progression to the next round.

(With inputs from ANI)