Panama vs Croatia Prediction: Modric Marks 200 Caps
Preview, published 23 June 2026. Kick-off 7pm ET, BMO Field, Toronto.
Update: Croatia won 1-0, Ante Budimir scoring off the bench to eliminate Panama on the night Luka Modric won his 200th cap. Read the full match report.
Panama vs Croatia is a Group L game both sides need to win, and our prediction is a 2-0 Croatia victory, Luka Modric’s 200th international cap the backdrop to a routine response after their opening defeat to England. Panama were beaten by a stoppage-time Ghana goal, while Croatia let a 2-2 lead slip in a 4-2 loss that leaves both teams needing a result.
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Panama vs Croatia, World Cup 2026 Group L |
| Kick-off | 7pm ET, 23 June |
| Venue | BMO Field, Toronto |
| Group L so far | England 3, Ghana 3, Croatia 0, Panama 0 |
| Our prediction | Croatia 2-0 Panama |
| Milestone | Luka Modric plays his 200th match for Croatia |
What is at stake in Panama vs Croatia
Both teams are already on zero points after round one, so this is close to a must-win for whoever wants a realistic route into the Round of 32. Croatia will point to the way they matched England for long spells before fading, while Panama showed real defensive resolve before Ghana’s late winner. Lose here and either side is staring at near-certain elimination going into the final round.
Players to watch
Luka Modric makes his 200th appearance for Croatia, becoming only the fourth player in history to reach that mark alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Bader Al-Mutawa and Lionel Messi, and he will again pull the strings alongside Mateo Kovacic in midfield. Bruno Petkovic and Andrej Kramaric lead the line. Panama’s best chance of a response comes through midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, who created three chances and made six tackles against Ghana.
Our Panama vs Croatia prediction
Croatia’s pedigree and the emotion around Modric’s milestone should be enough to get them back on track against a Panama side that creates relatively little. We predict a 2-0 Croatia win, with Petkovic or Kramaric the more likely scorers.
What is next
Both sides face the final round of Group L next, with qualification still to be settled. See the day’s other games in our June 23 preview, revisit Croatia’s opener in our England vs Croatia report and Panama’s in our Ghana vs Panama report, and check the format in our complete World Cup 2026 guide. Read the full match report for how it played out. See the official schedule at the FIFA match centre.
Frequently asked questions
What is the prediction for Panama vs Croatia?
Our prediction is a 2-0 Croatia win, as both sides look to recover from opening defeats in World Cup 2026 Group L.
When and where is Panama vs Croatia?
Panama vs Croatia kicks off at 7pm ET on 23 June 2026 at BMO Field in Toronto, in World Cup 2026 Group L.
Is this a milestone match for Luka Modric?
Yes. Modric makes his 200th appearance for Croatia against Panama, becoming only the fourth player in history to reach 200 caps.
Sources: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L and the FIFA match centre.
