Croatia and Panama Seek Redemption in Group L World Cup Clash
Croatia enters as heavy favourites against Panama at BMO Field, despite concerns over Luka Modric’s form and Panama’s injury woes.
Croatia and Panama are set to face each other in a Group L fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, June 23, at BMO Field in Toronto. The match kicks off at 7 p.m. ET and carries significant weight for both nations, who are seeking to rebound from defeats in their opening-day matches. Panama lost 1-0 to Ghana, while Croatia suffered a 4-2 loss to England.
Croatia enters the contest as heavy favourites, with betting odds listing them at -210, compared to Panama at +600 and a draw at +320. Despite the 4-2 defeat to England, the 2018 World Cup runners-up are expected to assert their dominance. However, questions persist regarding the performance of 41-year-old midfielder Luka Modric, who faced criticism for a subpar display against England, including conceding a penalty in the opening minutes.
Panama’s prospects are complicated by a four-game losing streak that dates back to the 2022 World Cup. The Central American side has yet to secure a point in their first World Cup appearance, a situation exacerbated by a late stoppage-time goal from Ghana’s Caleb Yirenkyi in their opener. The squad is further weakened by the absence of key starter Adalberto Carrasquilla, who is unavailable due to a groin injury sustained after the match against Ghana.
The tactical landscape suggests a high-stakes encounter where Croatia’s individual quality may clash with Panama’s compact organization. CBS Sports experts have predicted a 2-1 victory for Croatia, noting that the match is effectively a must-win for the European side to validate their standing ahead of the knockout stages. Panama’s ability to disrupt Croatia’s rhythm will be critical, though their recent form and injury list present significant hurdles.
The match will be broadcast on FS1 in English and Universo in Spanish, with streaming available on Fubo. The outcome of this fixture will influence the Group L standings as teams scramble to secure positions for the knockout rounds, with England and Ghana also playing on the same day in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
