Panama
Croatia
>Panama vs Croatia Prediction & Betting Tips – 24/06/2026
When Panama and Croatia meet at Toronto Stadium on 24 June in their second World Cup group stage fixture, both sides will know that defeat all but ends their tournament. Panama lost narrowly to Ghana in their opener, while Croatia were dismantled by England in a sobering four-goal rout. For Luka Modrić, set to earn his 200th cap at the age of 40, this could be a final World Cup bow. The stakes could hardly be higher: a must-win occasion for two sides desperate to keep their knockout-round hopes alive.
Match Analysis
Croatia enter this must-win encounter as clear favorites at 1.53, with their odds implying roughly 63% win probability. Dalic's tactical reset, Kovačić's return to midfield, and Modrić's 200th cap provide both structural clarity and emotional fuel.
- Projected 5.31 shots on target vs Panama's 3.18 confirms Croatia's attacking superiority.
- Kovačić returns to the XI, restoring midfield control after the England defeat.
- Modrić, fit after April facial fracture, leads Croatia in a historic 200th cap milestone.
- Dalic's confirmed switch to a back-four addresses the structural issues exposed against England.
Panama face a steep challenge at 6.50, arriving with just 2 wins in their last 8 matches and zero goals scored in the 2026 World Cup. Their 3-4-3 shape was already stretched against Ghana, and the stakes are now existential.
- Panama have zero World Cup goals in 2026, converting none of their 11 attempts vs Ghana.
- Key midfielder Carrasquilla is doubtful with an adductor tear, gutting their creative build-up.
- Godoy and Mejía both out, stripping Panama of midfield depth and defensive cover.
Key point: With both defenses under pressure and Croatia's midfield set to dominate possession, the under 2.5 goals angle at 1.83 offers value if Croatia control rather than chase the game.
Form & Statistics: Panama vs Croatia
Panama
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Croatia
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Panama vs Croatia
Panama
Starters
- 1 Orlando Mosquera
- 2 Jiovany Ramos
- 3 José Córdoba
- 4 Andrés Andrade
- 5 Amir Murillo
- 6 Carlos Harvey
- 7 Yoel Bárcenas
- 8 Cesar Blackman
- 9 Cristian Martínez
- 10 Cecilio Waterman
- 11 José Luis Rodríguez
Bench
- César Samudio
- Fidel Escobar
- Edgardo Fariña
- Eric Davis
- Roderick Miller
- Jorge Gutiérrez
- Adalberto Carrasquilla
- Ismael Díaz
- Alberto Quintero
- César Yanis
- Tomás Rodríguez
- José Fajardo
- Azarías Londoño
Absent
- Luis Mejía (muscle injury)
- Aníbal Godoy (sore muscles)
Croatia
Starters
- 1 Dominik Livaković
- 2 Josip Stanišić
- 3 Josip Šutalo
- 4 Duje Ćaleta-Car
- 5 Luka Modrić
- 6 Mateo Kovačić
- 7 Ivan Perišić
- 8 Petar Sučić
- 9 Ante Budimir
- 10 Martin Baturina
Bench
- Nediljko Labrović
- Dominik Kotarski
- Marin Pongračić
- Luka Vušković
- Martin Erlić
- Nikola Moro
- Nikola Vlašić
- Mario Pašalić
- Marco Pašalić
- Luka Sučić
- Toni Fruk
- Kristijan Jakić
- Igor Matanović
- Petar Musa
- Andrej Kramarić
Absent
- Joško Gvardiol (tibial fracture (surgery in January, out for months). *Note: Recent probable lineups still include him, but earlier reports indicate a long-term injury.*)
Medium confidence
Panama's compact 3-4-3 is built to crowd the midfield and frustrate on the counter, but it faces a stern examination against Croatia's fluid 4-3-3, where Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić are expected to dictate tempo and exploit any gaps left by Panama's wing-backs pushing forward.
The tactical contrast is sharp: Panama will look to defend deep and threaten in transition, while Croatia's wider shape gives Ivan Perišić licence to stretch the backline. How Panama's three-man defence copes with Croatia's movement across the front line could well determine the outcome of this fixture.
Our Verdict
Croatia's superior attacking quality makes the away win at 1.53 the standout selection here. The Vatreni's projected shots on target advantage is considerable, and Dalić's expected tactical reset to a back four should restore the structural balance his side lacked against England. Panama showed spirit in defeat to Ghana but failed to convert eleven attempts into a single goal, a finishing deficiency Croatia's defence can exploit. With Kovačić likely restored and Modrić marking his 200th cap, expect Croatia's midfield to dictate proceedings. Back Croatia to win at 1.53. Odds and markets subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for Panama vs Croatia?
The best bet here is a Croatia win, available at 1.53. Dalic's side carry clear attacking superiority, projecting over five shots on target to Panama's three, and Modrić's 200th cap adds rare motivational weight. Panama have won just twice in their last eight matches and are yet to score at this tournament, making the away win the most compelling wager on the card.
What time does Panama vs Croatia kick off?
Panama vs Croatia kicks off at 23:00 UTC on 23 June 2026, which corresponds to 19:00 local Eastern Time. The fixture takes place at the Toronto Stadium in Canada, one of the marquee venues of the 2026 World Cup. Both sides arrive having lost their opening group stage matches, so the stakes at kickoff could scarcely be higher.
Where can I watch Panama vs Croatia on TV?
Broadcast arrangements for World Cup fixtures vary by territory, so we recommend checking your local listings for confirmed coverage. In the United Kingdom, matches are typically shared between the BBC and ITV, whilst viewers in North America should consult their respective national rights holders. Streaming options through official broadcasters are also widely available for those unable to watch on a traditional television set.
What is Panama's recent record against Croatia?
Panama and Croatia have met rarely at senior international level, and their head-to-head record offers little in the way of meaningful recent history. The two sides have not faced one another in competitive football prior to this World Cup group stage encounter, making this fixture something of an unknown quantity from a historical standpoint. Form and squad quality must therefore guide any assessment.
