2026 World Cup: Panama vs. Croatia, Probable Lineups

The second matchday of Group L wraps up at 1:00 a.m. on June 24 with the match between Panama and Croatia. Panama, despite a narrow 1-0 loss to Ghana, put in a solid and courageous performance, staying in the game until the very end and proving they can compete even against higher-ranked opponents. However, Yirenkyi’s decisive goal left the “Canaleros” with zero points.

Croatia’s defeat, by contrast, was far more crushing, as they lost 4-2 to England. After a closely contested first half that ended 2-2, Dalic’s team collapsed in the second half, succumbing to the dominance of the “Three Lions.” This setback immediately complicates Croatia’s path forward.

As for Panama, head coach Christiansen expressed regret over a loss that came at the very end, while emphasizing the team’s strong performance and their determination to bounce back in upcoming matches. The 3-4-3 formation was maintained, with an attacking trio of Waterman, Martínez, and Rodríguez.

On the Croatian side, Dalic took responsibility for the loss, criticizing certain tactical decisions and announcing a possible return to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. Despite the loss, the performances of young players Vuskovic and Baturina were impressive, among the few bright spots of the evening.

Probable lineups

Panama (3-4-3): Mosquera; Ramos, Córdoba, Andrade; Murillo, Harvey, Barcenas, Blackman; Martínez, Waterman, Rodríguez. Coach: Christiansen.

Croatia (4-2-3-1): Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Modric, Sucic; Perisic, Pasalic, Baturina; Musa. Coach: Dalic