Panama vs Croatia – Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips
Group L, Matchday 2 | BMO Field, Toronto, Canada | Wednesday 24 June 2026, 00:00 BST
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Our Predictions
Croatia to Win
Over 2.5 Goals
This is a high-stakes, must-win encounter in the group stage. Panama and Croatia both lost their openers and sit at the bottom of Group L on zero points. Lose here and it is almost certainly over for their World Cup dreams. Croatia were hammered 4-2 by England, with Zlatko Dalić admitting after the game that he got the formation completely wrong. Panama were unlucky to lose 1-0 to Ghana after a disciplined 90 minutes, but they could not score despite 11 shots and 18 corners. Luka Modric is set to win his 200th cap. Croatia have to respond. The bet: Croatia to Win and Over 2.5 Goals.
Panama vs Croatia – Key Statistics
Seven of Croatia’s last eight matches have produced over 2.5 goals. That includes the 4-2 loss to England, where Croatia actually scored twice against one of the better attacks in this tournament. The offensive quality is there. Their problem against England was the defensive shape, which Dalić has promised to fix by reverting to a 4-3-3. Mateo Kovačić is expected back in the starting eleven alongside Modric.
Panama’s record tells a different story. They’ve won just two of their last eight matches overall and failed to find the back of the net in their opening group game against Ghana. Against Ghana, they had 18 corners and converted none of them. That set-piece inefficiency is a real problem. Croatia won their qualifying campaign with 26 goals from eight matches, and Andrej Kramarić is one of the sharpest finishers in this squad. Panama are 26 places lower in the world rankings and face a Croatia side with two recent World Cup podium finishes to their name.
Star Player Spotlight
- Luka Modric (Croatia): He’s 40 years old and about to win his 200th cap. He still logged 174 minutes across three recent matches and contributed a goal. This is a huge personal milestone in a must-win game. When Modric gets time on the ball in central midfield, Croatia control matches. Panama’s plan will be to deny him that time.
- Cecilio Waterman (Panama): The most physically imposing player in Panama’s attack, and the man Christiansen needs to hold the ball up and relieve pressure when his side are under the cosh. Waterman’s ability to bring midfield runners into play gives Panama their best route to staying competitive in the second half.
Head-to-Head Record
Panama and Croatia have never met before. This is a genuinely first-ever encounter between these two nations. The most comparable precedent for Croatia against a CONCACAF side is a 4-1 win over Canada at the 2022 World Cup.
Manager Profile
Zlatko Dalić has led Croatia to a World Cup final (2018) and a bronze medal (2022). His experience in high-stakes knockout scenarios is unrivalled in this tie. He made an error of judgement against England and was clear about it afterwards. That kind of honesty, combined with his track record of getting responses from his squad, makes Croatia a different proposition on Wednesday. Thomas Christiansen is respected in the game but this is only Panama’s second ever World Cup campaign.
Panama vs Croatia – Match Preview
| Point | Panama | Croatia |
|---|---|---|
| World Ranking | 40th | 14th |
| Captain | Aníbal Godoy | Luka Modric |
| Goals Scored (last 5) | 6 | 7 |
| Goals Conceded (last 5) | 10 | 11 |
| Top Scorer | José Fajardo (25) | Andrej Kramarić (25) |
| Most Capped Player | Aníbal Godoy (159 caps) | Luka Modric (200th cap) |
| Formation | 3-4-3 | 4-3-3 |
| Uncapped Players | TBC | TBC |
Panama – Current Status
Adalberto Carrasquilla missed the Ghana game with a groin strain and is likely only available from the bench here. Carlos Harvey and Cesar Blackman both need to avoid bookings or they’ll miss the final group game. Panama were genuinely organised in the opener and created 11 shots, but their inability to convert, including from an exceptional 18 corners, will concern Christiansen. The three-man defensive line of Ramos, Cordoba and Andrade will need their best night to keep Modric and company at bay.
Croatia – Current Status
Dalić is going back to a 4-3-3 and has openly admitted the tactical experiment against England was a mistake. Kovačić is expected to return to the starting eleven alongside Modric, and Kramarić is likely to lead the line. Six members of this squad were part of the 2018 World Cup final side. That experience of performing under pressure is not something you can teach, and it is the biggest advantage Croatia carry into this fixture.
No injury concerns have been confirmed from the Croatian camp.
Key Tactical Battle
Luka Modric versus Panama’s midfield anchor Aníbal Godoy is the contest that shapes this game. Godoy, with 159 caps, is Panama’s most experienced player and will take on the job of marking Modric out of the game or at least limiting his influence. If Godoy can force Croatia wide and deny Modric the central passing lanes, Panama make it competitive. If Modric finds his range, Panama are in serious trouble. With Kovačić offering support alongside him, Croatia’s midfield has the experience and the quality to control the tempo.
Panama have a counter-threat through the pace of Jose Luis Rodriguez on the wing and the physical presence of Cecilio Waterman upfront, and Croatia’s defence did look shaky against England. But Panama are not England. Sustaining a counter-attack threat for 90 minutes at this level is an enormous ask.
Panama vs Croatia – Betting Tips
| Tip | Market | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Tip 1 | Croatia to Win | Superior midfield quality; Dalić’s formation reset; tournament pedigree in must-win situations |
| Tip 2 (Value) | Over 2.5 Goals | 7 of Croatia’s last 8 over 2.5 goals; both teams desperate to attack |
Also Read: Best Odds Boost Offers
Tip 1 – Croatia to Win
Croatia are ranked 14th in the world against Panama’s 40th, have two recent World Cup podium finishes, and go into this after a manager who has held his hands up and promised to fix what went wrong. The midfield axis of Modric and Kovačić is far too good for Panama to contain across 90 minutes, and Kramarić is a proven World Cup scorer. Panama’s entire tournament history features zero wins and zero points. This is Croatia’s game to take.
The bet: Croatia to Win at around 4/7
Tip 2 – Value Bet: Over 2.5 Goals
Seven of Croatia’s last eight matches went over 2.5 goals. Both sides need to win, which means neither can park the bus completely. Croatia will push for goals from the off, and if Panama find themselves a goal down, they will need to attack in turn. Croatia’s backline looked exposed against England’s pace and movement, and Panama have real speed in transition. This has goals in it. The market reflects that and the odds available make this a sound value option.
The bet: Over 2.5 Goals at around 4/5
All odds in this article were correct at the time of writing and may have changed. Always confirm current odds with your bookmaker before placing a bet. Gamble responsibly. 18+. Help is available at begambleaware.org.
Panama vs Croatia – Last 5 Matches Form
Two sides with zero points and their World Cup dreams on the line.
Panama – Form Table
| Date | Opponent | Result | Match Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Jun 2026 | Ghana | L 0-1 | Competitive (World Cup) |
| 5 Jun 2026 | Brazil | L 2-8 | Friendly |
| 29 May 2026 | South Africa | D 1-1 | Friendly |
| 24 May 2026 | Dominican Republic | W 3-0 | Friendly |
| 18 May 2026 | Bosnia | D 0-0 | Friendly |
Croatia – Form Table
| Date | Opponent | Result | Match Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Jun 2026 | England | L 2-4 | Competitive (World Cup) |
| 5 Jun 2026 | Belgium | L 0-2 | Friendly |
| 29 May 2026 | Brazil | L 1-3 | Friendly |
| 22 May 2026 | Colombia | W 2-1 | Friendly |
| 18 May 2026 | Slovenia | W 2-1 | Friendly |
Croatia’s results look concerning on the surface but every defeat came against sides ranked in the world’s top 15. They managed to find the net in two of those three losses, demonstrating that the frontline remains dangerous even against elite opposition. Panama’s 8-2 defeat to Brazil was alarming, and the draw with South Africa and the 0-0 against Bosnia suggest a side that can grind out results defensively but struggles to create against organised opposition. Zero goals against Ghana despite 11 shots and 18 corners in a World Cup match is a troubling stat heading into this one.
The psychological edge belongs to Croatia. Dalić has been here before and his players know how to respond. Modric’s 200th cap gives this match a narrative pull for the Croatian camp that Panama simply cannot match. Back the experience.
Also Read: Top Licensed Betting Sites for World Cup 2026
Our Prediction
Croatia 3-0 Panama
Croatia revert to the formation they know, Dalić learns from his mistakes, and Modric drives a landmark 200th-cap performance in a must-win fixture. Panama will organise well for the first 30-40 minutes, but once Croatia’s midfield gets on top and the first goal goes in, the game changes. Panama will be forced to push forward, allowing Croatia’s counter-attack to exploit the space and push the scoreline over the 2.5-goal mark. Kramarić is the man most likely to put this to bed once the opportunity arrives.
Confidence Level: Medium-High (3/5)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do Panama play Croatia?
Panama face Croatia on Wednesday 24 June 2026, with kick-off at midnight BST (00:00). The match is at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, in Group L, Matchday 2 of the 2026 World Cup.
What is the prediction for Panama vs Croatia?
Our prediction is Croatia to win 3-0. Dalić’s formation reset, Croatia’s midfield superiority through Modric and Kovačić, and Panama’s defensive vulnerability when forced to chase the game all point to a clear Croatian win that hits the over.
Where can I watch Panama vs Croatia?
The match is live on BBC One in the UK with free streaming on BBC iPlayer. US viewers can watch on Fox Sports and Telemundo. Check your local listings for international options.
What are the odds for Panama vs Croatia?
Croatia are favourites at approximately 4/7. The draw is priced around 3/1, and Panama to win is roughly 5/1. All odds correct at time of writing. Always confirm current prices with your bookmaker before placing a bet.
Predictions and betting tips on this page are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. This site accepts no responsibility for losses arising from information published here. Betting should always be a form of entertainment and never a financial strategy.
Gamble responsibly. 18+. Help is available at begambleaware.org.