Panama vs Croatia Prediction Betting Tips & Preview

This Panama vs Croatia prediction will take a look at team news, potential lineups, how the styles might clash, and where the smarter betting angles could sit. Kick-off is 00:00 UK time on June 24, 2026, and it’s at BMO Field Stadium, with points on the line in World Cup Group L. 

Panama vs Croatia Team News

Croatia come into this tournament with that familiar mix of old pros and hungry new faces. Zlatko Dalić is still the man in charge, and he’s not exactly new to big nights.

The headline, as always, is Luka Modrić. He’s 40 now and captaining the side, still playing his club football with Milan in Serie A. Surely it’s his last, but we’ve said that before. Around him you’ve got experience like Ivan Perišić, 36, who’s had a bit of a revival at PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie after a nasty ACL spell earlier in his career. When Croatia win a free-kick in a dangerous area, Perišić is the obvious first-choice free kick taker. Up top, Andrej Kramarić (at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga) gives them that reliable link play, while Dominik Livaković is the established No.1, now with Girona on loan from Fenerbahçe. 

Defensively, Croatia can lean on proper top-level club seasoning. Joško Gvardiol is a key piece at Manchester City in the Premier League, and he sets the tone for how aggressive and tidy Croatia can be from the back.

Panama’s story is different, but it’s not some “happy to be here” thing. They’ve earned their place and they arrive with a settled core. Thomas Christiansen is the coach, and if that name rings a bell, it’s because he had a spell in club management with Leeds United earlier in his career. He’s been in charge of Panama for a while now, and they’ve steadily grown into a side that’s hard to shift.

The heartbeat is captain Aníbal Godoy, who has more than 150 caps and plays his club football with San Diego in MLS. Alberto Quintero is another big character, a hugely capped winger who still does damage with clever movement and delivery.

Likely Lineups

Panama (likely 4-1-4-1):
Mejía; Blackman, Escobar, Andrade, Davis; Godoy; Quintero, Carrasquilla, Cedeño, Díaz; Waterman

Croatia (likely 4-3-3):
Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Ćaleta-Car, Gvardiol; Modrić, Mario Pašalić, Vlašić; Perišić, Kramarić, Matanović

Panama vs Croatia

This one feels like a test of patience. Panama will likely keep it compact, protect the middle, and try to make Croatia play in front of them. Croatia won’t mind slowing it down, recycling possession, and waiting for the moment to slip someone in behind.

The key battle is midfield. If Godoy and Carrasquilla can disrupt Modrić’s rhythm and stop Croatia turning those half-spaces into chances, Panama make it awkward for a long time. But if Modrić gets time to look up, and Perišić gets 1v1s out wide, Croatia will start pulling them around.

Panama vs Croatia Betting Tips

If you’re looking for a sensible way to read this game, Croatia have the deeper tournament pedigree and more players used to elite-level pressure.

A few angles that make sense without getting carried away:

• Croatia to win looks like the straightforward call if you trust their experience.

• Croatia to win to nil is worth a look if you expect Panama to spend long spells defending deep.

• Under goals feels logical too,as both sides might play it safe.

If you like both-teams-to-score scenarios, have a look at these BTTS tips and see if they line up with how you read matches.

Panama vs Croatia Match Prediction

I keep coming back to the same idea. Panama can hang in this. They’ve got leaders, they’ll compete, and they’ll make Croatia work for every clean look at goal. But Croatia have that extra layer of craft, especially in midfield, where one smart pass can change everything.

Match Prediction: Croatia to win. Bet with bet365.

Panama vs Croatia Correct Score Tips

If you want scorelines that match the feel of the game:

• 0-1 Croatia

• 0-2 Croatia

• 1-2 Croatia (if Panama nick something from a set-piece or a messy moment)

Those all fit the “tight for long stretches” script.

Correct Score Prediction: Panama 0-2 Croatia. Bet with bet365.

Panama vs Croatia Over & Under Goals Betting Tips

This has “cagey group game” written all over it, so:

• Under 2.5 goals feels like the safest lane.

• If you think Croatia score early, then the match opens up and Over 1.5 goals becomes the more practical play.

Basically, your call depends on when you think the first goal arrives.

Over/Under Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Panama vs Croatia Bet Builder Tip

A builder that matches the likely flow:

• Croatia to win

• Under 3.5 goals

• Croatia most corners

Nothing fancy. Just pieces that fit together naturally.

Bet Builder Tip: Croatia to win, under 3.5 goals, and Croatia most corners. Bet with bet365.

Key Stats

• Croatia have made deep runs at recent World Cups, finishing runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022.

• They topped Group L in UEFA qualifying and scored 26 goals in eight qualifiers, with Kramarić leading the way on six and Perišić adding four.

• Panama are at their second-ever World Cup and came through qualifying under Christiansen with a strong, organised campaign.

• Panama’s spine is built around big-cap veterans like Godoy and Quintero, plus midfield quality in Carrasquilla.

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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.

Who will win between Panama and Croatia?

Croatia look the stronger side on paper and in tournament know-how, but Panama can keep it tight and make it uncomfortable.

What time is the Panama vs Croatia match?

Kick-off is 00:00 UK time on June 24, 2026.

Where is the Panama vs Croatia game being played?

It’s at BMO Field Stadium.

What is the likely score in Panama vs Croatia?