Panama vs Croatia today, in a must-win Group L clash at BMO Field in Toronto. Both teams come into this second-round match with their backs against the wall after disappointing opening defeats, making this a genuine six-pointer that could decide who stays alive in the knockout race.
Panama vs Croatia in a high-stakes, must-win Group L fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as both nations look to recover from opening-day defeats. The match takes place today, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Toronto Stadium in Canada, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
Panama were unlucky in a 0-1 loss to Ghana despite creating good chances, while England blew away Croatia 2-4 in a match that exposed defensive vulnerabilities. With England already looking strong at the top of the group Points, the winner here will take a massive step toward the Round of 32.
Panama vs Croatia Match Details
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group L
- Date & Time: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 7:00 PM ET
- Venue: BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
- Referee: To be confirmed closer to kick-off
Panama Preview & Team News
Thomas Christiansen’s side showed fight and organization against Ghana but were undone by a late goal. They created chances and looked compact, but lacked the clinical edge to take points.
Key Players:
- Cecilio Waterman leads the attack with hold-up play and movement.
- Yoel Bárcenas and José Luis Rodríguez provide width and directness.
- Michael Amir Murillo offers experience in midfield or defense.
Team News (Important):
Key midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla (Coco) has been ruled out with a muscle injury. He was making progress but felt unwell in training and will miss this match.
Defenders Cesar Blackman and midfielder Carlos Harvey are on yellow card warnings and must be careful to avoid suspension for the final group game against England.
Predicted Panama Starting XI (3-4-3):
Orlando Mosquera; Cesar Blackman, José Córdoba, Jiovany Ramos; Michael Amir Murillo, Carlos Harvey, Yoel Bárcenas, Andrés Andrade; José Luis Rodríguez, Cecilio Waterman, Cristian Martínez.
Croatia Preview & Team News
Zlatko Dalić’s side were poor defensively against England and conceded four goals for the first time in a World Cup match in years. They need a reaction and will expect to dominate possession and territory against Panama.
Key Players:
- Luka Modrić remains the heartbeat of the team at 40.
- Mateo Kovačić and Petar Sučić provide midfield control.
- Ivan Perišić and Petar Musa (or Ante Budimir) offer attacking threat.
Team News: Croatia have no major injury concerns. Dalić is expected to make a few changes, possibly bringing in more experience and fresh legs in attack after the heavy defeat to England.
Predicted Croatia Starting XI (4-3-3):
Dominik Livaković; Josip Stanišić, Josip Šutalo, Joško Gvardiol, Marin Pongračić; Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Petar Sučić; Ivan Perišić, Petar Musa, Martin Baturina.
Key Battles to Watch
- Luka Modrić’s Creativity vs Panama’s Compact Block — Can the veteran unlock a stubborn defense?
- Panama’s Counter-attacks — Waterman and Bárcenas can punish any overcommitment.
- Set Pieces & Physicality — Both teams are strong in these areas; expect aerial duels.
- Yellow Card Management — Panama cannot afford to lose more players to suspension.
Match Prediction
Croatia have far more individual quality, experience, and technical ability. Even after a poor performance against England, they should have enough to bounce back against a Panama side missing their most creative midfielder.
Panama will make it difficult with their organized shape and will look to nick a goal on the counter or from a set piece. However, Croatia’s quality in the final third should eventually tell.
- Croatia 2-1 Panama
A win would keep Croatia’s knockout hopes very much alive heading into their final group game.
Venue Spotlight: BMO Field, Toronto
BMO Field is a modern, intimate venue with a passionate atmosphere. Expect strong Croatian support mixed with vocal Panamanian fans and local Canadian soccer enthusiasts. June weather in Toronto is usually pleasant in the evening — perfect for a high-stakes World Cup match.
How to Watch Panama vs Croatia in the USA & Canada
In the United States, you can watch Panama vs Croatia live on FS1 (English) and Universo (Spanish), while viewers in Canada can stream the match on TSN+.
Television Broadcasts
- English-Language: Live coverage is available nationwide on FS1 (Fox Sports 1).
- Spanish-Language: Live coverage is broadcast on Universo.
Streaming Options
- Fox Sports App: Access the English FS1 broadcast by logging in with your pay-TV provider credentials through the Fox Sports app or website.
- Fubo: Stream both FS1 and Universo live via Fubo, which offers a 5-day free trial for new users.
- Streaming: Peacock, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV
Peacock is one of the most affordable options for full World Cup coverage.
Who will win in Panama vs Croatia?
Croatia is a strong favorite to beat Panama, with football stats giving them a 63.5% chance of winning, while Panama’s chances sit at just 16.3%.
This is a huge match for both teams. Croatia have the pedigree and quality to bounce back, but Panama are organized, physical, and dangerous on the break. Expect a competitive, tense game with plenty at stake.
