World Cup | 2026-06-23 23:00
BMO Field, Toronto
📊 Match Insights
Croatia can secure a top-three position in Group L by defeating Panama at Toronto Stadium on Wednesday in their World Cup 2026 encounter.
Following a 4-2 loss to England on June 17, Croatia currently sits in fourth place with no points, while Panama is just above them on goal difference after losing 1-0 to Ghana on June 18.
Panama showed resilience in their match against Ghana, effectively neutralizing attackers Antoine Semenyo and Jordan Ayew for significant portions of the game. However, they were ultimately caught off guard while attempting to press high, allowing Ghana to score the decisive goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Arguably, the 34th-ranked team performed better than Ghana for much of the match, as they did not concede a single shot in the first half. Ghana's only other attempt on target besides their goal was a header from a set piece shortly after halftime.
Although eight third-placed teams will advance to the knockout stage, a loss for Panama would likely eliminate their chances of finishing third. This is because, in the case of tied points, the first tiebreaker is the head-to-head record.
For Panama to remain in contention after a loss on Wednesday, they would need England to lose to Ghana on Tuesday, along with needing to secure a victory against the Three Lions in their final group match.
Head coach Thomas Christiansen is determined to make history by earning his team's first-ever point at a World Cup. Panama's previous tournament appearance in 2018 ended in three losses against Belgium, England, and Tunisia.
📈 League Table (Position)
| # | Team | Pts | P | W-D-L | GD | FORM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
England
|
3 | 1 | 1-0-0 | 2 | W |
| 2 |
Ghana
|
3 | 1 | 1-0-0 | 1 | W |
| 3 |
Panama
|
0 | 1 | 0-0-1 | -1 | L |
| 4 |
Croatia
|
0 | 1 | 0-0-1 | -2 | L |
Chance for playoffs
📉 Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Panama
L
D
W
L
W
Croatia
L
W
L
L
W
