World Cup

Panama

24 Jun 2026 04:30

Croatia

Prediction:

Away win 1.55

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Panama vs Croatia Predictions, Picks & Odds – 24/06/2026

World Cup · 2

Our prediction

2: Croatia to win

1.55 on Dafabet · Confidence Medium

Odds recorded on 23 Jun 2026 at 05:15 · Odds are subject to change

Panama vs Croatia Preview

Panama head into this Toronto Stadium clash desperate for a result after losing their Group L opener 1-0 to Ghana. While they showed defensive resilience in that match, their inability to create clear chances remains a concern. The Canaleros have never scored at a World Cup, a record stretching back to 2018, and their recent form reads inconsistently with two wins and three losses from their last five outings.

Croatia will be stinging after a 4-2 defeat to England, a result that exposed significant defensive frailties. Head coach Zlatko Dalic is expected to revert to a back-four system, with Mateo Kovacic likely restored to the starting lineup alongside captain Luka Modric, who reaches 200 international caps. Ante Budimir should lead the line as Croatia, ranked 14th globally, look to channel the tournament pedigree of 2018 finalists and 2022 semi-finalists.

Croatia's superior quality makes them the clear pick at 1.55 in this must-win encounter. The Vatreni possess vastly more tournament pedigree, having reached the final in 2018 and the semi-finals four years later. Their 4-2 loss to England was alarming, but Zlatko Dalic is expected to revert to a familiar back-four system, bringing Mateo Kovacic back into the starting lineup alongside the evergreen Luka Modric, who earns his 200th cap.

Panama showed defensive discipline against Ghana yet created almost nothing going forward. They have never scored a World Cup goal across four matches in the competition, and that barren record points towards a low-scoring affair from their perspective. With Ante Budimir likely leading Croatia's attack and the tactical reset expected to shore up the defence, backing under 2.5 goals at N/A looks a sensible secondary selection.

Both sides have been inconsistent in recent months, each winning just two of their last five outings. Croatia, however, carry far greater individual talent and collective experience at this level. Panama's midfield could be weakened if Adalberto Carrasquilla fails to recover from his groin strain. A tight Croatian victory, perhaps by a single goal, is the most probable outcome. Odds and markets subject to change.

Trends to Know about Panama vs Croatia

• Croatia ranked 26 places above Panama
• Panama scoreless in four World Cup matches
• Croatia's tactical shift favours attacking control

A 3-4-3 versus 4-3-3 contest shapes up as a fascinating structural battle, with Panama's wide wing-backs looking to exploit the channels against Croatia's orthodox back four. Luka Modric anchors the Croatian midfield and remains the creative heartbeat, while Mateo Kovacic provides the engine alongside him.

Panama's three-man attack will demand defensive discipline from Croatia's full-backs, particularly with Amir Murillo capable of combining inside and out. Both probable lineups carry multiple credible sources, giving reasonable confidence in these selections ahead of a crucial Group Stage fixture.

How to Watch Panama vs Croatia Match?

What time is Panama vs Croatia?

Panama vs Croatia kicks off on 24 June 2026 at 04:30 IST at Toronto Stadium.

Where is Panama vs Croatia being played?

This match will be played at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Canada.

How Can I Watch Panama vs Croatia on TV and Live Stream?

Panama vs Croatia will be broadcast live on JioCinema and Sports18 for viewers in India.