Panama vs Croatia: Can Modrić’s farewell World Cup inspire the Vatreni in Group L?

Panama vs Croatia 2026 World Cup — At midnight BST on 24 June, BMO Field in Toronto hosts this Group L encounter. Luka Modrić — aged 40 and almost certainly at his final World Cup — leads Croatia’s charge against Panama. Can the legendary midfielder write one last glorious chapter for the Vatreni? And can Panama produce the kind of shock that makes World Cups special?

Match Information

Where to watch?

In England, BBC and ITV broadcast the 2026 World Cup. Check their online schedules for the 24 June match starting at midnight BST. Free streaming is available via BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

Croatia Analysis: Modrić’s Final World Cup Stage

Luka Modrić: The Last Dance of a Legend

Luka Modrić needs no lengthy introduction. At 40 years old, this is almost certainly his final FIFA World Cup. The Al Qadsiah maestro — who spent 17 extraordinary seasons at Real Madrid — won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, the same year he drove Croatia to the World Cup final. His football intelligence, tempo control, incisive passing and vision remain unmatched even at this stage of his career. Every time Modrić touches the ball, something extraordinary might happen. Croatia’s tactical system still revolves around him — and rightly so.

Facing Panama, Modrić will look to impose his rhythmic, precise style on the game from the first whistle. If he can control midfield, Croatia will dominate possession and create the openings that decide matches at this level.

Joško Gvardiol: The Wall at the Back

Joško Gvardiol is one of the best central defenders in world football. Manchester City’s Croatian rock brings composure, physicality and brilliant distribution to Croatia’s backline. He reads the game remarkably well for his age, and his ability to intercept danger before it develops gives Croatia enormous defensive security. Against Panama’s attack, Gvardiol should have a comfortable afternoon — but he will not take any game for granted.

Kovačić and Perišić: Croatia Are More Than One Man

Alongside Modrić, Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City) provides relentless energy and ball-winning ability in midfield — the perfect foil for the captain’s creativity. On the flank, veteran Ivan Perišić brings crossing quality and direct running that gives Croatia width and a consistent attacking threat. This is a balanced, experienced Croatia squad that goes into Group L as the clear team to beat.

Panama Analysis: Can the Canaleros Cause an Upset?

A Team Built on Spirit and Organisation

Panama are a team defined by their collective spirit, defensive organisation and high-intensity pressing. They qualified from CONCACAF by showing exactly those qualities — grinding out results against tough opposition through sheer determination and teamwork. They cannot match Croatia’s individual quality, but their compact defensive shape and quick counter-attacks give them a tactical blueprint to stay in this game. Édgar Bárcenas, with his pace down the flank, is their most dangerous weapon — if Panama can win the ball and release him in transition, he may test Croatia’s defence.

The Survival Strategy

Panama’s manager will almost certainly set up in a deep defensive block — 5-4-1 or 4-5-1 — to deny Modrić and Kovačić the space they need to operate. The aim is to keep it tight for as long as possible, frustrate Croatia, and hope for a set-piece opportunity or a rare Croatian defensive error. Against a team of Croatia’s pedigree, this is a tall order — but Panama’s collective mentality should not be underestimated.

Head-to-Head Record

Panama and Croatia have an extremely limited head-to-head record, owing to their membership in separate confederations — CONCACAF and UEFA. Their meetings have been rare and non-competitive. At the 2026 World Cup, in Group L, this is one of the most significant encounters in their respective international footballing histories. Croatia’s quality across the squad makes them the logical and overwhelming favourite — but Panama’s spirit means they will not simply roll over.

Prediction: Croatia 2-0 Panama

Croatia are the clear favourites. Modrić’s masterful orchestration, Gvardiol’s defensive solidity, Kovačić’s energy and Perišić’s crossing ability combine to give the Vatreni a comprehensive advantage over Panama. Our prediction: Croatia 2-0 Panama, with a controlled, professional performance from Croatia — and at least one golden moment from Modrić to savour.

That said, football can always surprise. If Bárcenas gets an early chance in transition and converts, Panama could make this a nervy second half. For now, Croatia are logical winners — but Modrić’s farewell World Cup deserves every moment of attention.

FAQ