GROUP L · WORLD CUP
Key Facts
—World Cup 2026 Croatia: The 2018 finalists meet Panama in Toronto needing a result.
—Standings: Croatia and Panama are both pointless after opening defeats in Group L.
—Stakes: Defeat would leave Croatia unable to finish in the group’s top two.
—Modric: Croatia’s veteran captain is chasing one last deep run at a World Cup.
—Venue: BMO Field, Toronto, with kick-off at 7pm Eastern.
Eight years ago they were ninety minutes from the world title. Now Croatia must beat Panama in Toronto just to keep their tournament breathing.
World Cup 2026 Croatia arrive on the brink
Croatia open the day bottom of Group L after losing their first match. A meeting with Panama in Toronto has quickly become close to must-win.
Zlatko Dalic’s side were beaten 4-2 by England in Dallas despite twice drawing level. The scoreline flattered neither their defending nor their fight.
Panama also lost their opener, going down 1-0 to Ghana to a stoppage-time goal. Both teams now know another defeat could be terminal.
For a nation that reached the final in 2018 and finished third in 2022, this is unfamiliar jeopardy. Croatia rarely find themselves chasing the group this early.
How the openers unfolded
Martin Baturina and Petar Musa scored for Croatia against England, each time hauling them back into the contest. Harry Kane’s double and goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford proved too much.
Panama, in only their second World Cup, were undone by a 95th-minute Ghana winner. They had defended stubbornly until the very last attack.
Croatia still lean heavily on Luka Modric, now in the twilight of a glittering career. The midfielder remains the heartbeat of Dalic’s team.
Panama, coached to their second finals, will see an opening against a vulnerable defence. Their pace on the counter troubled Ghana for long spells.
The numbers behind World Cup 2026 Croatia vs Panama
According to FIFA’s official Group L guide, Croatia were runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022, while Panama are appearing at only their second World Cup. The pedigree gap is stark.
The Rio Times calculates that a defeat would leave Croatia unable to finish in the top two of Group L. With a maximum of three points left and two rivals already on three, the 2018 finalists would be reduced to chasing one of the eight best third-place berths.
A win, by contrast, would lift Croatia back into the qualifying picture before the final round. Everything on Tuesday turns on avoiding a second loss.
Panama face the same arithmetic from the other side. Victory would suddenly make them serious contenders to advance from a group many had written them out of.
The qualification picture
England and Ghana, both on three points, meet earlier the same day. That result will frame exactly what Croatia and Panama are playing for at night.
Croatia close against Ghana on June 27, while Panama face England. A win in Toronto would keep both finales meaningful.
The expanded format offers a lifeline through the best third-placed teams. But relying on that route is a precarious way for a former finalist to advance.
A draw would help neither side very much. Both will likely commit to attack in search of three points.
Dalic must decide how long to lean on Modric in the Toronto heat. Managing his veteran core through three group games is a delicate balance.
Croatia’s strength has always been control of midfield and patience in possession. Panama will try to disrupt that rhythm and force errors high up the pitch.
Set pieces could prove pivotal between two sides short on early goals. Both have the aerial presence to punish a lapse in concentration.
Why it matters
For Croatia, this may be the last World Cup of a golden era built around Modric. An early exit would be a sombre way for that generation to bow out.
For Panama, the chance to knock out a giant is the stuff of national folklore. A win over Croatia would rank among the biggest in their history.
Toronto’s neutral crowd may yet adopt the underdog as the night wears on. The pressure, unusually, sits squarely on the European side.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do World Cup 2026 Croatia play Panama?
The Group L match is on Tuesday, June 23, at BMO Field in Toronto. Kick-off is at 7pm Eastern.
Why is the match so important for Croatia?
Croatia lost their opener, so defeat would leave them unable to finish in the top two. A win keeps their qualification in their own hands.
How did Croatia and Panama start the group?
Croatia lost 4-2 to England and Panama lost 1-0 to Ghana. Both teams begin Tuesday without a point.
Is this Panama’s first World Cup?
No, it is their second. Panama also reached the finals in 2018, where they exited at the group stage.
Who do the teams play next?
Group L closes on June 27, with Croatia facing Ghana and Panama meeting England. Tuesday’s result is decisive for both.
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