Panama: a stoppage-time setback leaves no room for caution

Panama were seconds away from taking a point against Ghana, only to concede in the 95th minute and fall to a painful 1-0 defeat. It was a tense and physical contest with very few clear-cut chances, but in the end, Los Canaleros came away empty-handed. The result extended their losing run at the World Cup to four matches, and with two games left against the group’s European heavyweights, the pressure is already mounting.

That means Panama have little choice but to be more adventurous here. A draw would do little to improve their position, especially with England waiting in the final round, so this match feels like their best chance to stay in the race for the knockout stage. The concern is that results have not been encouraging: Panama have managed only two wins in eight matches this year, have conceded in every one of those games, and have scored more than once only three times.

Croatia: entertaining opener, but defensive issues still exposed

Croatia’s opening clash with England was one of the most entertaining matches of the first round, but it ended in disappointment for Zlatko Dalić’s side. The Vatreni fought back twice in the first half, showing their character, but once England stepped up after the break, Croatia’s defensive frailties were punished in a 4-2 defeat. It was their third loss in five matches in 2026, underlining that defensive stability remains a concern.

For this fixture, changes are expected. Dalić could reshape the side in a 4-2-3-1 system, with Luka Vušković likely to drop out and Andrej Kramarić brought in to provide more creativity and movement behind the striker. Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić should form the midfield core, while Ante Budimir — fresh off a 19-goal season for Osasuna — is a strong candidate to lead the line.

Probable lineups

Panama: Mosquera; Ramos, Farina, Andrade; Carrasquilla, Godoy, Blackman, Murillo; Rodriguez, Martinez, Waterman

Croatia: Livaković; Stanišić, Gvardiol, Šutalo, Perišić; Kovačić, Modrić; Kramarić, Pašalić, Baturina; Budimir

Match facts and head-to-head

Panama have lost all four of their World Cup matches so far.

Croatia have been beaten in three of their five games in 2026.

Both teams have scored in five of Panama’s last six matches and in six of Croatia’s last seven outings.

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