Panama and Croatia face each other this Tuesday (23), at 8 pm (Brasília time), at BMO Field, in Toronto, in a direct confrontation in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After defeats in the debut, both teams are looking for their first victory to stay alive in the competition.
Predictions point to Croatia as the clear favorite. Zlatko Dalić’s team, with more experience in recent World Cups, should recover against a Panama team that is fighting for points but facing important absences.
Recommended top guesses
- Croatia victory: Main guess. Odds around 1.55. Croatia has more quality in midfield with Modrić and Kovačić and should explore the spaces against a Panamanian defense that suffered in its debut.
- Croatia wins and over 2.5 goals: Option with good value. After the 4-2 against England, the Croatians need to improve their balance and tend to attack more.
- Both teams score: Interesting guess around balanced odds. Panama showed the ability to create danger on counterattacks, even in the defeat to Ghana.
- Modrić or Perišić scores at any time: Good option for player bets, given the constant presence in the Croatian attack.
Probable lineups and impact on predictions
Croatia (4-2-3-1):Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Pongračić, Gvardiol; Modrić, Kovačić; Baturina, Sučić, Perišić; Budimir.
Panama (3-4-3):Mosquera; Blackman, Ramos, Murillo; Harvey, Martínez, Andrade, Bárcenas; Waterman, Rodríguez, another striker.
The absence of Adalberto Carrasquilla weakens Panama in midfield, favoring Croatian control of the game. Referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho tends to book few cards, which could open up space for a more fluid game.
Table context and motivation
England and Ghana lead Group L with three points. A Croatian victory puts the European team back into the fight. For Panama, another negative result practically eliminates the chances of qualifying before the last game.
BMO Field should receive good attendance and offer ideal conditions. Croatia arrives under pressure but with a superior squad, making victory the most solid prediction for this round.