Panama vs Croatia Betting Odds, Lineups, Prediction & Best Bets

Panama vs Croatia Match Summary

Two wounded teams collide in Toronto on Matchday 2, with both Panama and Croatia staring at early World Cup elimination after opening-game defeats.

Panama showed tactical ambition in a 1-0 loss to Ghana but couldn't convert possession into goals, leaving Thomas Christiansen's side desperate for a result.

Croatia's veteran squad was stunned 4-2 by England in Dallas, exposing a backline that looked alarmingly vulnerable against pace and movement.

This is the first-ever competitive meeting between these two nations, and with elimination looming, neither side can afford another slip.

Panama vs Croatia Form

Panama went unbeaten across a 10-match qualifying run before hitting the World Cup stage. The 1-0 defeat to Ghana was frustrating — they dominated possession at 62% and completed over 500 passes — but couldn't find a cutting edge.

Croatia's form tells a tale of two runs. They conceded just four goals across eight qualifying games, looking like the disciplined unit of old. Then came the opener against England, where they shipped four in a single match. Luka Modrić — now 40 and appearing in his fifth World Cup — still pulls the strings alongside Mateo Kovačić, but the backline needs a sharp reset.

Panama vs Croatia Lineups & Team News

Injuries & Suspensions

Panama: None reported

Croatia: None reported

Panama

Panama don’t have a lot of proven goal scorers in the squad, but with their tournament on the line, they could rely on Ismael Díaz, who has been their most productive attacker. Otherwise, after a strong showing against Ghana, major changes aren’t expected.

Croatia

For Croatia, experienced midfielder Mateo Kovačić could slot in alongside Luka Modrić to provide more control in the center of the field. At the back, Marin Pongračić is pushing for a start and may replace young Tottenham defender Luka Vušković as Croatia look to tighten things up defensively.

Panama vs Croatia Predicted Lineup

Panama

Formation: 3-4-3

Predicted Starting Lineup: O. Mosquera; A. Andrade, J. Cordoba, J. Ramos; C. Blackman, Y. Barcenas, C. Harvey, A. Murillo; J. L. Rodriguez, C. Waterman, I. Diaz

Croatia

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: D. Livakovic; J. Gvardiol, J. Sutalo, M. Pongracic; I. Perisic, L. Modric, M. Kovacic, J. Stanisic; P. Sucic, M. Baturina; P. Musa

Panama vs Croatia Key Stats & Match Facts

• This is the first-ever competitive meeting between Panama and Croatia in international football history.
• Panama held 62% possession in their World Cup opener against Ghana, completing over 500 passes — a national record at a World Cup.
• Croatia's 4-2 loss to England marked the first time they have conceded four goals in a World Cup group stage match.
• During World Cup qualifying, Panama went unbeaten with seven wins and three draws across 10 matches.

Panama vs Croatia Talking Points

The central battleground in this match is the midfield. Croatia's world-class pairing of Modrić and Kovačić will look to dictate tempo, but Adalberto Carrasquilla has shown he can hold his own on the ball against top-level opposition. The bigger question hangs over Croatia's defensive response — after conceding four to England, Zlatko Dalić needs a structural fix in a hurry.

Panama's challenge is different: they need an attacking spark they simply didn't produce against Ghana. There's also a fascinating venue factor at play — Toronto's significant Croatian diaspora is expected to create a near-home atmosphere for the "Vatreni," which could shift momentum early.

Panama vs Croatia Predictions FAQs

When is the Panama vs Croatia World Cup game?

The match takes place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Canada.

What is the Panama vs Croatia prediction?

Croatia is favored to win due to their superior squad depth and international experience. Panama will look to frustrate them with a disciplined defensive setup, but Croatia's midfield quality and tournament pedigree make them the stronger side in this must-win matchup.

Where can I watch Panama vs Croatia?

In the United States, the match is available on FOX and FS1 (English) and Telemundo and Peacock (Spanish). In Canada, coverage is on TSN (English) and RDS (French).

Where is Panama vs Croatia being played?

The match will be played at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, one of the official 2026 FIFA World Cup host venues.

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