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Jun 23, 2026 Major2
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Panama and Croatia Clash in Must-Win World Cup Group L Encounter
Panama and Croatia face each other for the first time in a must-win World Cup Group L match in Toronto, following opening defeats. Both teams are expected to score, with Croatia favored to bounce back despite defensive issues, while Panama seeks its first-ever World Cup point after a narrow loss to Ghana.





Quick Facts
Who
Panama
What
World Cup Group L match
When
Tuesday (June 23/24, 2026)
Where
Toronto
- World Cup Group L match
- Panama seeking first World Cup point
- Croatia aiming to bounce back from opening loss
- Both teams expected to score
- Panama
Panama and Croatia will meet for the first time in a crucial World Cup Group L match on Tuesday in Toronto, with both teams desperate for points after losing their opening fixtures. Croatia, a two-time semifinalist, fell to England despite twice equalizing in a 4-2 defeat, while Panama suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Ghana, conceding a goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Panama manager Thomas Christiansen labeled the defeat to Ghana as “cruel,” given his side's improved performance compared to their World Cup debut in 2018. The 34th-ranked team displayed effective pressing and possession play against the Black Stars, registering 11 shots with four on target. However, Panama remains without a World Cup point in four matches, having scored just twice across two tournaments.
Croatia, known for bouncing back from slow starts, has lost its opening match at four of the last six World Cups but has only once lost consecutive group games (in 2002). Despite recent defeats to England, Brazil, and Belgium, Zlatko Dalić's experienced side demonstrated attacking threat against the Three Lions, scoring twice. However, defensive vulnerabilities persist, with Croatia failing to keep a clean sheet in seven consecutive matches across all competitions.
Both teams enter the match with statistical trends favoring goals. Panama has scored in 11 of its previous 12 encounters before facing Ghana, while Croatia has conceded in each of its last seven games. Analysts predict a high-scoring affair, with betting markets favoring both teams to score at 11/10 odds. A predicted scoreline of 2-1 to Croatia reflects expectations of competitive balance.
Key personnel updates include Panama's Adalberto Carrasquilla, who missed the Ghana match with a groin issue but has returned to partial training. Croatia's Martin Baturina, who scored against England, is expected to retain his place in the lineup, while veteran Luka Modrić will continue despite being substituted early in the previous match. Wingbacks César Blackman and Carlos Harvey are on yellow cards for Panama.
Why This Matters
This match determines the survival prospects in Group L. A loss for either side would likely eliminate them from the round of 16, making every tactical adjustment and player performance crucial for fans and bettors tracking tournament progression.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 22, 2026
WirePrevious day: Portugal vs Uzbekistan match played
Jun 23, 2026
WirePanama vs Croatia World Cup Group L match (kick-off)