2026 FIFA World Cup — Group L, Matchday 2 | June 23 | Toronto Stadium, Toronto
TORONTO — The standing ovation began in the 82nd minute and did not stop until Luka Modric had reached the touchline.
The 40-year-old had just played his 200th match for Croatia. He had helped his team to a 1-0 victory over Panama. He had kept their World Cup alive. And as he walked off the pitch, every person in Toronto Stadium — Croatian, Panamanian, neutral — rose to their feet.
This was not just a substitution. This was a tribute.
Two Decades of Modric
Modric’s Croatia career began on March 1, 2006, in a friendly against Argentina. He was 20 years old. He had wispy hair and a boyish face and a left foot that could do things most players could only dream of.
Twenty years later, he has 200 caps. He has a Ballon d’Or. He has a World Cup silver medal. He has a World Cup bronze medal. He has the respect of every footballer who has ever shared a pitch with him.
Against Panama, he did not score. He did not assist. He simply controlled the game — 54 passes, 91 percent completion rate, 82 minutes of quiet mastery. Ante Budimir scored the winner in the 54th minute. But the night belonged to Modric.
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)