Panama-Croatia XIs confirmed: Modrić in the side

The probable line-ups for Panama and Croatia in the second 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match are out. Ahead of a game crucial for both sides, to be played in Toronto, both managers made their selections clear.

For Croatia, beaten by England in their opener, Zlatko Dalić goes with a 4-2-3-1 blending experience and youth. Dominik Livaković is in goal, with Josip Stanišić, Josko Sutalo, Marin Pongračić and Joško Gvardiol in the back four. Captain Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić form the midfield pivot. Behind the attack are Mario Pašalić, Martin Baturina and Ivan Perišić, with Petar Musa starting as the centre-forward up top. Dalić leaving Andrej Kramarić on the bench and keeping Petar Sučić among the substitutes were notable calls.

For Panama, Thomas Christiansen sets up in a dynamic 3-4-3. Orlando Mosquera is in goal and wears the captain's armband, with José Córdoba standing out in the back three. Christian Martínez and another captain figure, Aníbal Barcenas, operate in midfield, while names such as Andrade and Blackman take responsibility out wide with their pace and dribbling. In attack, the Rodríguez-Fajardo pairing aims to trouble Croatia's defence. Adalberto Carrasquilla, carrying an injury doubt, not starting and being among the substitutes was one of the most important details for Panama.

Both teams lost their openers, so the Toronto game carries great weight in the chase for a first point at the tournament. Although Croatia, back-to-back semi-finalists, look favourites on paper, the disciplined display Panama produced against Ghana keeps the chance of a surprise alive. Having experienced names such as Modrić and Perišić on the pitch boosts Croatia's chances of controlling the game.

Starting XIs
Panama (3-4-3): Mosquera (C); Ramos, Córdoba, Murillo; Andrade, Harvey, Barcenas, Martínez; Rodríguez, Fajardo, Blackman
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Livaković; Stanišić, Sutalo, Pongračić, Gvardiol; Modrić (C), Kovačić; Pašalić, Baturina, Perišić; Musa

Image: Flashscore