After losing to England in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Croatia no longer has much room for error. The Vatreni still have two group-stage matches remaining, against Panama and Ghana, and the clash with Panama could go a long way towards determining the course of Croatia’s tournament.
The Croatia vs Panama match takes place on 24 June in Toronto, with kick-off scheduled for 7 p.m. local time (EDT). For both teams, it could have a decisive impact on the race for a place in the knockout stage.
At first glance, Panama may not appear to be the biggest name in the group, but the results of the opening round showed that Croatia cannot expect any easy opponents.
Panama held Ghana scoreless until the second half and remained in the match until the final whistle, showing why Croatia cannot afford to underestimate them.
Why is the match against Panama so important?
Following the defeat to England, Croatia remain without a point. If they want to avoid relying on a complicated combination of other results, a victory against Panama has effectively become a necessity.
Three points would put Croatia back in contention for qualification and allow them to control their own destiny heading into the final group match against Ghana.
Any other result would make the situation considerably more difficult.
With England currently leading the group and Ghana already on three points, Croatia know that another defeat would leave them facing a very difficult path to qualification.
Would Croatia be eliminated with a defeat against Panama?
Not necessarily, but it would leave Croatia on the brink of elimination.
Two defeats from their opening two matches would leave the Vatreni without a single point and entirely dependent on other results before the final round of group games. In that scenario, even a victory over Ghana might not be enough to secure qualification.
That is why the match against Panama is widely viewed as one of Croatia’s most important group-stage matches of the tournament.
What if Croatia beat Panama?
This is the scenario everyone in the Croatian camp hopes for.
A win would give Croatia their first three points and send them into the final match against Ghana with realistic hopes of progressing. Depending on other results in the group, a victory over Ghana could even be enough to secure second place.
Even if the standings become complicated, six points from the final two matches would almost always leave Croatia with a strong chance of advancing.
What if Croatia vs Panama ends in a draw?
A draw would significantly complicate matters.
Croatia would have just one point from two matches and would almost certainly need to defeat Ghana in the final round. At the same time, they would become dependent on other results in the group, with goal difference potentially becoming a crucial factor.
In other words, a draw against Panama would not end Croatia’s hopes, but it would leave the Vatreni in a very uncomfortable position.
Panama should not be underestimated
Although they are not among the favourites on paper, Panama have become regular participants at major international tournaments in recent years and have shown that they can be a difficult opponent.
The team relies on defensive organisation, discipline and quick transitions, exactly the kind of qualities that can trouble European sides expecting to dominate possession.
Croatia will therefore need to be more clinical than they were against England, particularly in the final third.
Everything is still in Croatia’s hands
Despite the opening defeat, the situation is far from hopeless.
A victory over Panama would put Croatia back in a strong position and allow them to decide their own fate against Ghana in the final group match. That is why many see this game as the real beginning of Croatia’s World Cup campaign.
The equation for the Vatreni is simple: a win keeps the door to the knockout stage wide open, while any other result would significantly increase the pressure ahead of the final round.
As excitement builds ahead of Croatia vs Panama, it’s also a good time to learn a few Croatian football phrases. Here’s how to say “Let’s Go Croatia” and other expressions you’ll hear from Vatreni fans during the match.
