Preview: Panama vs Croatia prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Can Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia clinch their first win of the World Cup 2026 campaign against Los Canaleros?

Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) in Toronto, Canada, gears up to host the Matchweek 2 fixtures in Group L of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where reigning 2018 World Cup Finalists Croatia take on North American outfit Panama in a thrilling contest.

Group L was one of the most entertaining groups in Matchweek 1, where we saw two heavyweights, England and Croatia, locking horns, and the Three Lions crushed Croatia 4-2. In the second game, the Ghanaian players were lucky enough to seal a win after a stoppage-time winner by Yirenkyi.

Panama were just seconds away from clinching their first-ever point in FIFA World Cup history. It was back in the 2018 World Cup in Russia; Panama were trailing 6-0 to England, but Felipe Baloy’s goal against the Three Lions saw Panamanians bursting into excitement after they scored their first World Cup goal.

They are led by Thomas Christiansen, the Spanish gaffer who dramatically transformed Panama football after taking over the reins half a decade ago. This is a must-win game for Los Canaleros to keep their knockout hopes alive before they face favourites England in the final matchweek.

Not-so-ideal start for Croatia at the FIFA World Cup 2026. After making it to back-to-back semifinals in the last two editions of the FIFA World Cup, Vatreni are coming off a 4-2 defeat to England in the opening matchweek. They need a big win in the next game to keep their top two hopes alive.

They are led by Zlatko Dalic, who is better than the man himself, who has been carrying a billion hopes on his shoulders for the last decade. Croatia’s defensive vulnerabilities were badly exposed in the last game when England attacked constantly, and Dalic must fix his defensive woes before facing Panama next.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kick-off:

• Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Stadium: Toronto Stadium (BMO Field)
• Date: Tuesday, June 23
• Kick-off time: 12 a.m. BST [4:30 a.m. IST, Wednesday, June 24 / 7 p.m. local EDT]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Panama (in all competitions): L-D-W-L-W

Croatia (in all competitions): L-W-L-L-W

Players to Watch

Jose Cordoba (Panama)

Before making a high-profile switch to England with Norwich City, Cordoba impressed a lot in Bulgaria, where he went on to win the Bulgarian First League Best Defender in 2023 with Levski Sofia. In the last game, Cordoba surpassed the record for most successful passes by a Panamanian player in a World Cup match.

He was a rock solid presence in Panama’s defence in the last game and his elite acceleration allows Panama to maintain a high defensive line.

Croatian forwards like Musa and Sucic are extremely clinical and lethal and Cordoba will have big responsibilities on his shoulder to clinch a clean sheet.

Petar Sucic (Croatia)

From captaining the Bosnia and Herzegovina youth teams to leading the attacking lineup of Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026, Sucic has come a long way. He is coming after a brilliant trophy-laden season with Italian giants Inter Milan in the Italian top flight.

He was the one who set up Baturina for that 1-1 screamer against the Three Lions. What makes him special is his positional fluidity, and he has previously played in many high-stakes encounters. Dalic will rely on his creativity to create chances up front for Musa in the next game.

Match Facts

• Panama and Croatia will lock horns for the first time.
• Panama are yet to clinch a single point in FIFA World Cup so far.
• Croatia won back-to-back medals in the last two FIFA World Cup.

Panama vs Croatia: Betting Tips and Odds

• Croatia to win the game – 8/15 with Betfred
• Petar Musa to score – 7/5 with Betfred
• Panama 1-4 Croatia – 22/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Adalberto Carrasquilla might be the only absentee due to injury for Panama. Thomas Christiansen would most likely play with the same team.

No significant injury absences have been confirmed for Croatia ahead of this fixture but after conceding four in the last game, Zlatko Dalic might be tempted to make some defensive changes.

Head-to-Head

These two sides have never met each other, and this will be their first ever encounter.

Predicted Lineups

Panama predicted lineup (3-4-3)

Orlando Mosquera (GK); Andrés Andrade, José Córdoba, Jiovany Ramos; César Blackman, Yoel Bárcenas, Carlos Harvey, Michael Amir Murillo; José Luis Rodríguez, Cecilio Waterman, Cristian Martínez.

Croatia predicted lineup (3-4-2-1)

Dominik Livaković (GK); Josip Šutalo, Luka Vušković, Joško Gvardiol; Josip Stanišić, Luka Modrić (c), Mario Pašalić, Ivan Perišić; Luka Sučić, Martin Baturina; Petar Musa.

Match Prediction

Croatia are a technically superior side than Panama. This is a must win game for them and we expect them to secure a comfortable win over Panama in the next game.

Prediction: Panama 1-4 Croatia

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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