Croatia and Panama will lock horns in their second Group L clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with both sides desperate to get their campaign back on track. Neither team managed to make a winning start as Croatia were beaten 4-2 by England in a high-scoring contest, while Panama’s disciplined defensive display against Ghana ended in heartbreak after they conceded a stoppage-time winner.
Despite the opening defeat, Croatia have the experience of performing on football’s biggest stage. Led by veteran midfielder Luka Modrić, they finished runners-up at the FIFA World Cup 2018 and reached the Round of 16 in 2022 before being knocked out on penalties.
Meanwhile, Panama will take confidence from the way they frustrated Ghana during their campaign opener.. However, they’ll need to turn that defensive resilience into points if they are to stay in the race for qualification.
With the expanded World Cup format allowing the eight best third-placed teams to progress to the Round of 32, defeat would not end either side’s hopes, but it would leave them with very little room for error heading into the final group match.
Panama vs Croatia: Head-to-Head
Panama and Ghana will face each other for the first time in International football during the Group L clash. Croatia have enjoyed success against teams from the CONCACAF region, winning seven of their nine previous encounters.
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Panama’s World Cup experience against European opposition has been far less encouraging. At the 2018 tournament, they lost 3-0 to Belgium before suffering a heavy 6-1 defeat to England in the group stage.
Panama vs Croatia FIFA World Cup 2026 Prediction
Croatia head into this must-win clash as favourites despite their opening defeat to England. They can bounce back with experienced players like Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić and Joško Gvardiol. Coach Zlatko Dalić has told his players to play like favourites and be more solid at the back after conceding four goals against England.
Panama was solid defensively against Ghana but lacked the cutting edge up front. With key midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla sidelined through injury, it has become even tougher as they lose a bit of creativity in midfield.
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Predicted Score: Croatia 2-0 Panama
Panama vs Croatia Probable starting XI
Panama Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Orlando Mosquera
Defenders: César Blackman, Fidel Escobar, José Córdoba
Midfielders: Cristian Martínez, Amir Murillo, Harvey, Jorge Gutiérrez
Attackers: Édgar Bárcenas, José Luis Rodríguez
Forward: Cecilio Waterman
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Croatia Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper – Dominik Livaković
Defenders – Josip Stanišić, Joško Gvardiol, Josip Šutalo, Luka Vušković
Midfielders – Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Petar Sučić
Attackers – Martin Baturina, Ivan Perišić
Forward – Andrej Kramarić
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1.What time does the Panama vs Croatia FIFA World Cup 2026 match kick off?
The Group L match kicks off at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST / 4:30 a.m. IST(June 24)
2. Where will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between Panama and Croatia take place?
The match will take place at BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
3. How to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Panama vs Croatia?
United States – FOX Network, fuboTV, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, FOX One
Canada – TSN+, TSN1, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, CTV, RDS App, CTV App, Crave
México – Canal 5 Televisa, TUDN, Azteca 7, TUDN En Vivo, Las Estrellas, Azteca Deportes En Vivo, ViX México
United Kingdom – BBC Sport Web, BBC One, BBC iPlayer
India – Unite8 Sports Channel
Also Read: England vs Ghana Prediction: Who Will Win The FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L Clash?
