A. Budimir, introduced at half-time, settled this Group L contest nine minutes into the second half. His 54th-minute goal — assisted by J. Stanisic — was the only shot on target either side managed across the ninety, and it proved enough. Croatia finished with 64 percent possession and two shots in total, while Panama mustered one shot and failed to register a single attempt on target. The match was tight in chances despite the territorial imbalance, with both sides' expected-goals figures below 0.10, underlining how little clear-cut opportunity either team created.

Croatia take three points in Group L with the win. J. Gvardiol, also introduced at the break alongside Budimir, was part of a half-time double change that reshaped Croatia's second-half shape. L. Modric entered at the 81st minute. Panama made four substitutions late on but could not find a leveller, and Y. Barcenas departed on a yellow card after being booked in the 61st minute.