Croatia on the brink of a slip-up: prediction for Panama vs Croatia - 24.06.2026
One of the second-round matches of the World Cup group stage will take place in the early hours of Wednesday at BMO Field in Toronto, where Panama and Croatia will go head to head. Both teams started the tournament with defeats: Panama fell 0-1 to Ghana after a late goal, while Croatia lost 2-4 to England in one of the most electrifying matches of the opening round.
Panama: heartbreak in the 95th minute and a match where caution is not an option
Panama came agonizingly close to snatching a point against Ghana. It was a cagey contest, full of physical battles and a shortage of real chances, but the "Canaleros" conceded in the 95th minute and suffered a 0-1 defeat. That marks their fourth consecutive loss in World Cup matches, and now they face back-to-back games against the European favorites in their group.
Panama now must play with more daring, as a draw is unlikely to change their fate in the standings. With England looming in the third round, this clash is their true opportunity to keep realistic hopes for the playoffs alive. The problem: in 2026, Panama has only two wins from eight games, conceding at least one goal each time, and they've managed to score two or more only in three matches.
Croatia: spectacular start but defensive cracks remain
Croatia and England delivered one of the most thrilling matches of the opening round, but for Zlatko Dalić's men, the outcome was painful. The "Checkered Ones" twice clawed their way back in the first half, but after the break, England shifted gears and punished Croatia's defensive lapses. The 2-4 defeat was Croatia's third loss in their five matches of 2026.
For the Panama game, the coaching staff is preparing changes and may switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Luka Vušković is set to make way, while Andrej Kramarić is expected to add dynamism between the lines. Mateo Kovačić is likely to partner Luka Modrić in midfield, with Ante Budimir—who netted 19 goals for Osasuna this season - possibly leading the attack.
Probable lineups
- Panama: Mosquera, Ramos, Farina, Andrade, Carrasquilla, Godoy, Blackman, Murillo, Rodriguez, Martinez, Waterman.
- Croatia: Livaković, Stanišić, Gvardiol, Šutalo, Perišić, Kovačić, Modrić, Kramarić, Pašalić, Baturina, Budimir.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Panama has lost all four of its World Cup matches to date.
- Croatia has suffered defeat in three of its five matches in 2026.
- Both teams have scored in five of Panama’s last six matches and in six of Croatia’s last seven games.
Panama can sting, but class will tell: prediction for Panama vs Croatia
Panama needs to take risks now, as their defeat to Ghana has left them in a precarious tournament position. The return of Adalberto Carrasquilla and Aníbal Godoy to the starting lineup should strengthen the midfield and add balance, but against a side of Croatia’s caliber, it might not be enough. The real concern for the "Canaleros" is their persistent defensive frailty and lack of consistent attacking threat.
Croatia, too, is far from perfect - especially at the back. After conceding four to England, it’s hard to expect a stress-free outing, particularly as Panama will be forced to push forward. Still, in terms of class, experience, and attacking decision-making, Dalić’s team holds a clear edge, and the Modrić–Kovačić–Kramarić axis should grant Croatia control over the game’s key areas.
