Panama vs Croatia predictions and betting tips – Get 13/10 on Dalic’s side

Croatia suffered a 4-2 defeat by England last time out, putting them under pressure to respond on matchday two of the World Cup group stage. Panama were also beaten in their first outing, so this is a huge fixture in Group L.

Croatia start as favourites, but can they get the job done in Toronto? Here is how we see the match playing out.

• Croatia to win to nil – 13/10 with BetMGM
• Under 2.5 goals – 4/5 with Tote
• Petar Musa to score any time – 11/8 with BoyleSports

Panama vs Croatia head to head overview

• Date: Wednesday 24th June.
• Kick-off: 12am.
• Venue: Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada.
• Where to watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
• Referee: Pierre Atcho.
• VAR: Yes.
• Last meeting: Never played before.
• Favourite to win: Croatia.

Panama vs Croatia predicted lineups

• Panama expected lineup: Mejia; Murillo, Escobar, Miller, Harvey; Barcenas, Godoy, Carrasquilla, Diaz; Fajardo, Waterman.
• Croatia expected lineup: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Modric; Sucic, Baturina, Perisic; Musa.

Panama vs Croatia predictions

For the first time since 2014, Croatia lost their first game at a World Cup last week.

Zlatko Dalic’s side held their own against England in the first half in Dallas, going in at the break level at 2-2. But Croatia were outclassed after the break and ended up losing 4-2 to their fellow European nation.

England put their foot down at the beginning of the second period and Croatia could not live with their dynamism and intensity. Between the 45th and 60th minutes alone, England had eight shots on target.

“We must be much, much better than we were today in our performance,” Dalic reflected afterwards.

Still, there were a few positives for the Croatia boss to take from his side’s showing, even if the result was fair. Croatia scored two good goals in the first half and had some bright spells in possession.

They remain the favourites to finish in the top two in Group L alongside England, which they would be guaranteed to do if they beat both Panama and Ghana. In fact, a draw here and a victory over Ghana would be enough as long as England finished on nine points.

Panama are up against it following their 1-0 loss to Ghana on matchday one. They shaded the first half but faded dramatically after the break, and were made to pay when Ghana notched the winner five minutes into stoppage time.

Portugal must now beat either Croatia or England to stand a chance of going through, but even that might not be enough now that Ghana have a head-to-head advantage over them.

Panama are ranked 34th in the world and were runners-up in the most recent edition of the CONCACAF Nations League. However, they are in a precarious position after just one game of this World Cup.

Panama vs Croatia betting tips

Panama take on Croatia in the penultimate game on matchday two of the World Cup group stage.

Defensive strength the foundation

Croatia’s defence did not do itself justice against England, but it has the makings of a robust backline.

Josko Gvardiol plays for Manchester City for a reason. Luka Vuskovic, currently on the books of Tottenham Hotspur, is one of the hottest centre-back prospects around. Ajax’s Josip Sutalo completes a solid trio.

Croatia conceded just four goals in their European qualification group. Only England, Spain, Switzerland and Germany had better defensive records.

Panama did not carry much of an attacking threat against Ghana, so a clean sheet is well within reach for Croatia.

Back Croatia to win to nil at 13/10 with BetMGM

Tighter game for Croatia

If Croatia do not concede, they would only need to strike once for victory. While Dalic would obviously prefer a more comfortable win, a low-scoring game is on the cards.

Croatia scored twice against England, but they finished the match with a mediocre xG of 0.7. Against Panama’s low block, they may struggle to create a huge number of clear-cut chances.

Croatia are a technical team with good footballers right across the pitch, but they lack the speedy, one-versus-one specialists who are vital to break down a deep defence.

A festival of goals is unlikely in Toronto, especially if Croatia are successful in shutting Panama out.

Tip under 2.5 goals at 4/5 with Tote

Musa the main man?

Petar Musa is 28 years old, but his appearance against England was only his 12th for the Croatia national team.

With Ante Budimir and Andrej Kramaric both now 34, Musa has become the go-to pick up front for the Vatreni.

After his well-taken goal against England last Wednesday, Musa should keep his place in the starting XI for the clash with Panama.

His penalty-box presence will be useful against a deep opposition defence, so the Dallas striker is our pick to make the net bulge.

Go for Petar Musa to score any time at 11/8 with BoyleSports

Panama vs Croatia latest odds

Find the latest Panama vs Croatia betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

More World Cup 2026 predictions

We have plenty more World Cup 2026 predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Panama and Croatia for betting

Panama are still searching for their first point at a World Cup. Croatia captain Luka Modric is in line to earn his 200th cap for his country. Panama have gone eight consecutive matches without a clean sheet.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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