Panama vs Croatia — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 2
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Panama meet Croatia in Group L, with Zlatko Dalic's experienced European side fancied against a spirited Central American team under Thomas Christiansen.
Croatia continue to lean on the genius of veteran captain Luka Modric, supported by Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol at the back and the goal threat of Andrej Kramaric. Panama, well-organised and physical, build around the creativity of Adalberto Carrasquilla and the experience of Anibal Godoy in midfield.
Croatia's tournament pedigree and midfield control make them favourites, but Panama's discipline and energy mean the Vatreni will have to work for their reward.
Key storylines
- 01Luka Modric driving Croatia once more on the World Cup stage.
- 02Panama's organisation and physicality under Thomas Christiansen.
- 03Josko Gvardiol marshalling the Croatian defence.
Prediction
Panama 0-2 Croatia
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Panama
Formation 4-4-2- 1O. Mosquera
- 2M. Murillo
- 3F. Escobar
- 4A. Andrade
- 5E. Davis
- 6A. Carrasquilla
- 7A. Godoy
- 8C. Harvey
- 9I. Diaz
- 10C. Martinez
- 11J. Fajardo
Croatia
Formation 4-3-3- 1D. Livakovic
- 2J. Stanisic
- 3J. Sutalo
- 4J. Gvardiol
- 5M. Pongracic
- 6L. Modric
- 7M. Kovacic
- 8L. Sucic
- 9I. Perisic
- 10A. Kramaric
- 11A. Budimir
Team news
Panama
- Adalberto Carrasquilla provides Panama's creative spark.
- Panama built on organisation and physicality.
Croatia
- Luka Modric remains Croatia's midfield orchestrator.
- Josko Gvardiol anchors the back line.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
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