Both Panama and Croatia are desperate for points after opening defeats. Can the Croats' experience overcome Panama's resilience?
The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will witness a pivotal Group L encounter as Panama and Croatia lock horns on June 23, 2026, at 23:00 UTC. Both teams are reeling from opening-day losses and know that another defeat would likely end their World Cup hopes. For Panama, this is a chance to prove their 2018 debut was no fluke; for Croatia, it's about rediscovering the form that took them to the semi-finals in 2022. The pressure is immense, the stakes are clear: win or go home.
Summary
This Group L clash is a must-win for both sides. Panama, currently third with a -1 goal difference after a narrow 0-1 loss to Ghana, will look to leverage their physicality and set-piece prowess. Croatia, fourth after a 2-4 defeat to England, possess superior technical quality but have been defensively vulnerable. The match promises to be a tactical battle between Panama's disciplined defensive structure and Croatia's patient possession game.
Team News & Form
Panama come into this match with a single defeat, but their performance against Ghana was encouraging. They created several chances and were undone by a solitary goal. Coach Thomas Christiansen is likely to stick with a 4-4-2 formation, relying on the experience of captain Aníbal Godoy and the pace of winger José Fajardo. The key absentee is midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, who is suspended after a red card in the opening match. His absence will be felt, but Panama have depth in the likes of Cristian Martínez.
Croatia, meanwhile, suffered a heavy 2-4 loss to England, exposing defensive frailties. Coach Zlatko Dalić will be concerned about the backline, which conceded four goals. However, the return of midfielder Marcelo Brozović from a minor knock could provide stability. Luka Modrić, at 40, remains the heartbeat of the team, but his fitness for the full 90 minutes is a question. Dalić may shift to a 4-3-3 to accommodate more attacking threats, with Andrej Kramarić and Ivan Perišić expected to start.
Key Players
For Panama, José Fajardo is the main attacking threat. The forward scored in the 2018 World Cup and has been in fine form for club and country. His movement off the ball and ability to finish from tight angles will test Croatia's center-backs. Also watch for Michael Murillo, the right-back whose overlapping runs provide width and crosses.
Croatia's talisman remains Luka Modrić. Even at 40, his vision and passing range can unlock any defense. Alongside him, Mateo Kovačić provides energy and dribbling from midfield. Up front, Andrej Kramarić is the most likely source of goals, having scored against England. His movement in the box will be crucial against Panama's physical defenders.
Predicted Lineups
Panama (4-4-2): Mosquera; Murillo, Escobar, Cordoba, Davis; Godoy, Martínez, Quintero, Bárcenas; Fajardo, Blackburn.
Croatia (4-3-3): Livaković; Juranović, Šutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić; Pašalić, Kramarić, Perišić.
Key Battles
The midfield duel will be decisive. Panama's Aníbal Godoy and Cristian Martínez must disrupt Modrić's rhythm, while Croatia's trio of Modrić, Brozović, and Kovačić will aim to dominate possession. Another key battle is on the flanks: Panama's Michael Murillo against Croatia's Ivan Perišić. Perišić's experience and crossing ability could be a major weapon, but Murillo's pace and defensive work rate may neutralize him.
Set pieces are also crucial. Panama scored from a corner against Ghana and Croatia looked vulnerable from dead balls. Panama's center-backs, Fidel Escobar and José Córdoba, are strong in the air, while Croatia's Josip Šutalo and Joško Gvardiol must be vigilant.
Head-to-Head
This is the first competitive meeting between Panama and Croatia. The only previous encounter was a friendly in 2014, which Croatia won 2-1. That match, played in Zagreb, saw goals from Ivica Olić and Ivan Rakitić. Historical form offers little guidance, but Croatia's pedigree in major tournaments gives them a psychological edge.
Score Prediction
Panama will be compact and organized, making it difficult for Croatia to break them down. However, Croatia's individual quality and experience in high-pressure games should prevail. Expect a tight first half, but Croatia's superior technical ability will tell in the second period. Prediction: Panama 1-2 Croatia.
Where to Watch
Fans can follow the match live on our fixtures page for broadcast information. For group standings, check the standings. Team profiles: Panama and Croatia.
