World Cup 2026 Roundup: Croatia Eliminates Panama, Colombia Secures Last 32 Spot

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to deliver drama across North America. Here is your quick roundup of the latest results and key storylines from matchday action on June 23-24.

Group L: Panama 0-1 Croatia 🇭🇷

Croatia kept their World Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama at Toronto. Substitute Ante Budimir scored the decisive goal nine minutes into the second half, calmly turning in Josip Stanisic’s low cross at the far post.

The match also marked a historic milestone: Croatia captain Luka Modric made his 200th international appearance — becoming only the fourth male player in history to reach that landmark. The 40-year-old midfielder completed 88% of his passes across 81 minutes before being substituted to a standing ovation. Panama’s pace caused problems in the first half, but Dominik Livakovic’s saves kept Croatia in the game.

What it means: Croatia have their first points in Group L. A win against Ghana on Saturday would confirm their place in the knockout phase. Panama, with two losses, have been eliminated.

Group L: England 0-0 Ghana 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🤝🇬🇭

England were held to a frustrating 0-0 stalemate by a disciplined Ghana side coached by Carlos Queiroz. Ghana defended deep in a compact 4-5-1, holding 78.2% possession for England but offering “no solutions,” as Queiroz noted. Bukayo Saka provided a spark off the bench and forced a fine save from Ghana keeper Benjamin Asare, but England lacked creativity without Cole Palmer and Phil Foden.

Looking ahead: Thomas Tuchel’s side still control their fate — they face Panama on Saturday with a chance to top the group.

Group K: Colombia 1-0 DR Congo 🇨🇴🇨🇩

Colombia became the latest team to book their place in the last 32 with a 1-0 win over DR Congo in Guadalajara. Crystal Palace wing-back Daniel Munoz scored his second goal of the tournament — a deflected left-footed strike in the 76th minute after a clever pass from Juan Fernando Quintero. Colombia dominated throughout but were repeatedly denied by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi until Munoz’s breakthrough.

What it means: Colombia top Group K with two wins and advance. DR Congo sit third and must beat Uzbekistan in their final group game to keep any knockout hopes alive.

Today’s Matches (June 24)

GroupFixtureVenue
BBosnia vs QatarSeattle Stadium
BSwitzerland vs CanadaTBD
CScotland vs BrazilMiami Stadium
CMorocco vs HaitiTBD

Key Stats & Milestones 🔢

  • 🇭🇷 Luka Modric — 200 international caps, 19 World Cup appearances, 80%+ pass completion in every World Cup match
  • 🇨🇴 Colombia — First team to secure a last-32 berth from Group K
  • 🇵🇦 Panama — Eliminated after two consecutive losses
  • 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England — 78.2% possession but 0 goals against Ghana’s low block

Upcoming Key Fixtures

  • June 25: Group C & B — second round of matches conclude
  • June 26: Group D & E matches
  • June 28 (Saturday): Croatia vs Ghana ⚔️ (Group L decider)
  • June 28 (Saturday): England vs Panama 🏴󠧁󠢥󠁮󠁧󠁿

FAQ: Can third-placed teams still qualify? Yes. The top two from each of the 12 groups advance directly to the last 32. Additionally, the eight best third-placed teams also qualify. So teams like DR Congo, Ghana, and others still have a path forward.

FAQ: When are the knockout matches? The Round of 32 begins on June 30, immediately after the group stage concludes on June 29.

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