Croatia seek a reaction: the Panama hurdle in Toronto

In the second 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match, Panama and Croatia meet for the first time in their history at the BMO Field in Toronto. Both nations closed their openers with defeats: Croatia lost to pre-tournament favourites England, while Panama lost 1-0 to Ghana.

Croatia, back-to-back semi-finalists, twice fell behind in the first half against England but showed the team can be dangerous in North America. Although Zlatko Dalić's experienced side, with recent defeats to England, Brazil and Belgium, suggested there may be a limit this summer, a win became imperative against Panama on Tuesday. Croatia are slow starters at major tournaments, losing the opener at four of the last six World Cups, but only once in their history have they lost back-to-back World Cup games.

Panama, under Thomas Christiansen, asserted themselves against Ghana with astute pressing and cultured possession play; the 1-0 defeat their manager called "cruel" was shaped by a goal in the 90+5. Ranked 34th by FIFA, Panama are still seeking their first point at the tournament but have improved markedly since 2018. The one question mark is Adalberto Carrasquilla's groin injury; the player has returned to partial training.

According to Sports Illustrated's prediction, Croatia will win 2-1. Panama could turn heads in Toronto, but it would be no surprise if Croatia's experience wins out.

Probable XIs
Panama (3-4-3): Mosquera; Blackman, Ramos, Córdoba; Murillo, Harvey, Martínez, Andrade; Bárcenas, Waterman, Rodríguez
Croatia (4-3-3): Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Vušković, Gvardiol; Modrić, Kovačić, P. Sučić; Baturina, Kramarić, Perišić

Source: Sports Illustrated
Image: Sports Illustrated