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FourFourTwo
Sport
Mark White

Croatia vs Panama prediction: Will Modric and co. start firing on all cylinders?

Luka Modric of Croatia applauds the supporters at full-time following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium. .

Croatia and Panama are both looking to bounce back from losses in their first games.

Croatia were beaten 4-2 by England in the first game, while Panama were suckerpunched by Ghana – so with third-place slots getting into the next round, both sides will know a win might just go a long way to getting them into the knockouts.

Which one will this one go?

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Croatia vs Panama odds from BOYLE SPORTS

  • Croatia WIN - 2/5
  • Draw - 10/3
  • Panama WIN - 6/1

Croatia vs Panama prediction

Ghana beat Panama last time out (Image credit: Getty Images)

Let's make no mistake about it: Panama are vastly improved from their first World Cup eight years ago and won't be pushovers.

They put in a resilient performance against the Ghanaians, and with Croatia likely having to rely on transitional moments against the English, they might have to rethink how they approach a totally different game.

The midfield battle is one that we can probably see coming, however: expect Modric, now in his 40s, to control proceedings, with Croatia looking for openings and Panama looking to break.

As the Kockasti showed in Matchday 1, they do have quality in attacking areas, with ingenuity to find space: it would be a shock if they don't win this one.

Zlatko Dalic, manager of Croatia (Image credit: Getty Images)

Panama may have to do their very best impression of Ghana earlier on tonight in order to hang on for a draw against one of the stronger teams in this competition – but just as in their first match, we predict that they won't be able to hang on forever.

Score prediction: Croatia 2-0 Panama

How to watch Croatia vs Panama

You can watch Croatia vs Panama in Group L of World Cup 2026 for free.

The match will be broadcast live on BBC One in the UK, FOX in the United States and SBS in Australia.

What's your England vs Ghana prediction? Let us know below...

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