- Here is the Panama vs Croatia prediction article for World Cup 2026 which breaks down form, key players, best odds and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
- The match will be staged at the Toronto Stadium on Wednesday June 24.
- Kickoff is at 2:00am EAT.
Croatia have a chance to redeem themselves and keep their knockout-stage aspirations alive when they face Panama in the early hours of Wednesday morning for Matchday 2 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L at Toronto Stadium.
With England and Ghana currently sitting atop the group with three points each, a second straight defeat for either Panama or Croatia could effectively end their tournament hopes.
The Croats endured a rough start to the tournament as their recent rivals England pummeled them 4-2 at Dallas Stadium.
ALSO READ: England vs Croatia: Kane equals England’s scoring record in World Cup opening win over Croatia
The match featured a frantic first half, with Harry Kane opening the scoring for England from the penalty spot in the 12th minute.
Croatia fought back in the 36th minute when Martin Baturina equalized, but Kane struck again in the 42nd minute to make it 2-1. Croatia responded just before the halftime whistle in the 45+5 minute when FC Dallas forward Petar Musa leveled the score at 2-2.
The second half proved disastrous for Croatia as England’s Jude Bellingham scored immediately after the restart in the 47th minute to make it 3-2 and substitute Marcus Rashford completely sealed the 4-2 victory in the 85th minute after a pass from Bukayo Saka.
Panama comes into this match following a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat against African giants Ghana on June 17.
It was a late goal that crushed their hopes in a match they played defensively throughout. In the 95th minute, Ghana’s substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante broke down the left flank and delivered a low cross across the face of goal, allowing Caleb Yirenkyi to bundle the ball home for a devastating late winner.
Thus Thomas Christiansen’s side will come into this clash with a different approach as they seek the three important points.
ALSO READ: Modrić set for fifth world cup as Croatia unveil preliminary 2026 FIFA World Cup squad
What time does Panama vs Croatia match kick off?
The two sides will clash on Wednesday June 24 at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field), Toronto, Canada, with kick-off set for 2am East Africa time.
Panama vs Croatia team news
As of writing this article, both sides come into this clash fully healthy, and it will be a matter of both coaches ensuring they field strong starters to get the results.
Croatia coach has confirmed a major tactical shift, abandoning the experimental system used during their 4-2 defeat against England to return to a traditional four-man defensive line.
On the other side, Panama manager Thomas Christiansen is expected to retain the bulk of his starting lineup despite a heartbreaking, last-gasp 1-0 loss to Ghana.
Panama vs Croatia predicted lineups
- Croatia: Livakovic; Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Stanisic, Modric, Sucic, Perisic; Baturina, Budimir, Pasalic
- Panama: Mosquera; Blackman, Ramos, Cordoba, Andrade, Murillo; Godoy, Carrasquilla; Rodriguez, Barcenas, Diaz; Waterman
Panama vs Croatia head to head record and current form
Panama and Croatia have never faced each other in senior international football, including competitive tournaments, minor exhibitions, or international friendlies.
Looking at their last five matches across all competitions, both Panama and Croatia share an identical form of 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss.
Panama’s recent run includes a 4-2 win over the Dominican Republic and a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, wrapped up by a narrow 1-0 loss to Ghana in their World Cup opener.
Croatia, on the other hand, prepared for the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Slovenia and a 2-0 defeat against Belgium, before being outclassed 4-2 by England in their opening group fixture.
Panama vs Croatia prediction and best bets odds
Coming into this clash, Croatia holds a major advantage in the FIFA World Rankings, sitting at 11th compared to Panama at 34th.
While both teams entered the World Cup with identical five-match form lines (2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss), both suffered painful defeats on Matchday 1.
Croatia’s defense was exposed in a 4-2 loss to England, while Panama’s disciplined defensive block unraveled in the 95th minute to lose 1-0 to Ghana.
Thus it will be a tight end-to-end match, but Croatia are the favorites to win considering they have experience and good depth in players, though Panama’s defensive resilience cannot be ruled out, making it an interesting matchup.
Best bets odds on SportPesa
Looking for the best odds? SportPesa, the leading online gaming firm, has the best and widest variety of markets for your stake with instant payouts for your wager.
Panama, who might shock the world with a win, have been given 6.40 odds to win, while Croatia to win odds are at 1.55, with both teams drawing at 4.20.
SportPesa has also introduced another good thing for your money with instant payout, meaning that if your viable side scores a goal, two, or three up from the opponent, you can still bet on that with odds favoring you well.
If Panama scores one goal up against Croatia, odds are at 2.85, while if Croatia scores one goal up, the odds are at 1.29. Other big odds still there: both teams to score odds are at 2.07.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026
