Croatia will be looking to revive their 2026 World Cup campaign and move into the qualification mix when they face Panama at Toronto Stadium on Wednesday in a crucial Group L encounter.
Both sides head into matchday two under pressure after opening defeats, with Croatia beaten 4-2 by England and Panama narrowly losing 1-0 to Ghana. With all to play for, this fixture already carries early knockout-stage intensity.
Match preview
Panama will take encouragement from their disciplined display against Ghana, where they frustrated the Black Stars for long spells before conceding a heartbreaking stoppage-time winner.
Thomas Christiansen’s side were compact and organised without the ball, at times even limiting Ghana to very few clear chances. However, their inability to sustain pressure in key moments proved costly, and they now sit just above Croatia on goal difference in Group L.
The Central American side are still chasing a historic first-ever World Cup point, having lost all three of their matches at the 2018 tournament. Another defeat here would leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread unless other group results go their way.
Croatia, meanwhile, were outclassed in moments by England’s attacking quality, particularly after the break, when their defensive structure was repeatedly stretched.
Zlatko Dalić’s men struggled to cope with the pace and intensity of England’s forward line, but the Croatian coach will still take positives from a competitive first half and the experience within his squad.
The 2018 World Cup finalists and 2022 semi-finalists are now under pressure to respond, with anything less than a positive result putting their knockout ambitions at risk. However, their pedigree in tournament football makes them strong favourites heading into this contest.
Head-to-head
This will be the first-ever meeting between Panama and Croatia at senior international level. Croatia’s experience against CONCACAF opposition will count in their favour, having comfortably beaten Canada 4-1 at the 2022 World Cup.
Form guide
Panama World Cup form: L
Panama form (all competitions): D W L W D L
Croatia World Cup form: L
Croatia form (all competitions): W W L L W L
Team news
Panama will be forced to monitor midfielder Carlos Harvey and wing-back César Blackman, both of whom are one booking away from suspension. Yoel Bárcenas, who impressed defensively against Ghana, is expected to retain his place in midfield, while Cecilio Waterman will again lead the line as the focal point of attack.
At the back, Thomas Christiansen is likely to stick with Jiovany Ramos, José Córdoba and Andrés Andrade in a three-man defence as Panama aim to stay compact and frustrate Croatia.
For Croatia, Luka Modrić is expected to start once again despite his age-defying performances on the international stage. The midfield veteran is likely to operate alongside Mateo Kovačić and Mario Pašalić.
There may also be changes in attack, with Andrej Kramarić pushing for a recall to join Ivan Perišić and Petar Musa in the forward line.
Predicted lineups
Panama possible starting XI:
Mosquera; Ramos, Córdoba, Andrade; Murillo, Harvey, Bárcenas, Blackman; Martínez, Waterman, Rodríguez
Croatia possible starting XI:
Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Vušković, Gvardiol; Modrić, Kovačić, Pašalić; Perišić, Musa, Kramarić
Prediction
Panama are likely to remain well-organised and difficult to break down for long periods, but Croatia’s experience, technical quality, and tournament know-how should eventually tell.
It may not be straightforward, especially early on, but the Croatians are expected to find a way through and take control as the game opens up.
We say: Panama 1-2 Croatia
