Panama vs Croatia – Free World Cup Pick – June 23, 2026

Panama vs Croatia: the Canaleros still dare to dream of qualification

Beaten on matchday one, Panama and Croatia are already under pressure heading into this second Group L fixture. Both sides are on zero points, but their opening games told very different stories.

Panama came painfully close to grabbing something against Ghana before folding in the dying seconds, while Croatia laboured against England’s attacking power. In that context, this one could already carry serious weight in the race for the qualifying spots.

Panama looked sturdier than the score suggests

Despite losing to Ghana, Thomas Christiansen’s side were in control for long spells. They gave away very little in clear chances and were undone only by a late counterattack. That display backed up Panama’s ability to defend as a unit and stay disciplined for most of a match.

The lack of cutting edge is still an issue, but the team showed it can go toe-to-toe physically. Against a Croatia side that likes to dominate possession, Panama may find more space on the break.

Croatia are still trying to find their rhythm

The defeat to England exposed a few Croatian problems, especially in handling the opposition press and in defensive transitions. The 2018 World Cup runners-up had some decent spells before the break, but the second half was a far tougher watch.

The experience of players like Luka Modric remains a major asset, but Zlatko Dalic’s side no longer looks as assured as it did in recent major tournaments. Croatia still have the better individual quality, yet their opening outing revealed several weak spots that Panama could target.

Probable lineups:

Panama: Mosquera; Ramos, Cordoba, Andrade; Murillo, Harvey, Barcenas, Blackman; Martinez, Waterman, Rodriguez

Croatia: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic, Pasalic; Perisic, Musa, Kramaric

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World Cup 2026 prediction: Panama vs Croatia

Panama or draw

Croatia may have more experience and the flashier squad on paper, but their first game exposed defensive cracks and patches where the intensity simply wasnt there. Panama, by contrast, turned in a professional showing against Ghana and were only beaten in stoppage time.

The Canaleros proved they can stay compact and make life awkward for teams with more talent on paper. In a game where both sides will feel the heat, Panama look capable of staying in it to the end and leaving with at least something to show for their efforts.

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