Panama and Croatia meet at Toronto Stadium in Ontario, Canada, with both sides desperate to claim their first points of the World Cup after suffering defeats on the opening matchday.

Croatia Seeking Immediate Recovery

Croatia entered the tournament in excellent form, having gone unbeaten between June 2025 and March 2026 (W8, D1), but their World Cup campaign began with a disappointing 4-2 defeat to England. Despite twice drawing level before half-time, Zlatko Dalić’s men were overwhelmed after the break as England’s attacking quality proved too much to handle.

Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković was one of Croatia’s standout performers despite the loss, making seven saves to prevent an even heavier defeat. While that result marked their third loss in four matches (W1), Croatia’s recent tournament history suggests there is little reason for panic. The Vatreni won just one of their three group-stage matches at the 2022 World Cup before eventually reaching the semi-finals.

A victory here would put Croatia firmly back in contention for qualification ahead of their final group fixture.

Panama Facing Must-Win Situation

Panama were agonisingly close to earning what would have been only their first-ever World Cup finals point before conceding a dramatic 95th-minute winner against Ghana in their opening match.

Despite enjoying more possession, creating more chances and boasting a significantly higher FIFA ranking than their opponents, Thomas Christiansen’s side were left empty-handed following a 1-0 defeat. Panama have now managed just two wins in their last eight matches (D3, L3), increasing the pressure ahead of this encounter.

With a daunting final group game against England still to come, securing three points against Croatia could be essential if Panama are to harbour realistic hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first meeting between the two nations.

Croatia have enjoyed considerable success against CONCACAF opposition, winning seven of their nine previous encounters. Panama’s only previous World Cup matches against European teams ended in heavy defeats, losing 3-0 to Belgium and 6-1 to England at the 2018 tournament.

Key Statistics

• Panama have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last eight matches.
• Panama have not received a first-half yellow card in any of their last three games.
• Croatia have drawn only one of their last 15 fixtures (W10, L4).
• Both teams have scored in six of Croatia’s last seven matches.

Players to Watch

Carlos Harvey could prove influential for Panama. The midfielder has either scored or been booked after the 83rd minute in two of his last three international starts, highlighting his tendency to make a late impact.

For Croatia, veteran winger Ivan Perišić remains a key creative force. He has registered assists in each of Croatia’s last two matches and boasts six goal contributions across his previous five appearances for club and country (two goals and four assists).

Team News

Panama will be without influential midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, who is unavailable for selection.

Croatia have a fully fit squad and no reported injury concerns heading into the match.

Betting Angle

Croatia’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed by England, and they have seen both teams score in six of their last seven outings. However, the quality gap between the sides remains significant.

A Croatia win and both teams to score appears an attractive betting option, with Panama capable of finding the net but unlikely to contain Croatia’s attacking threat over 90 minutes.

Prediction

Panama’s inability to keep clean sheets and Croatia’s need for a positive response point towards an entertaining encounter. The European side possess greater experience and quality in key areas and should have enough to secure a crucial victory.

Prediction: Panama 1-3 Croatia