Panama and Croatia Face Must-Win Clash in World Cup Qualifiers

Panama and Croatia are set for a high-stakes encounter in Toronto, Canada, on Tuesday, with both teams needing a victory to stay alive in Group L of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The match kicks off at 7:00 PM local time (11:00 PM GMT).

Panama enters the game with the urgent need to secure their first-ever win in a World Cup. Their debut match ended in a frustrating 1-0 loss to Ghana, conceding a goal in the final minute due to a lack of clinical finishing. Despite this setback, coach Thomas Christiansen believes his team has the capability to compete and is determined to achieve a historic triumph. The projected Panamanian lineup includes Orlando Mosquera; César Blackman, José Córdoba, Jiovany Ramos, Amir Murillo; Carlos Harvey, Adalberto Carrasquilla or Aníbal Godoy, Cristian Martínez; Yoel Bárcenas, José Luis Rodríguez, and Cecilio Waterman.

Croatia, a nation with a strong World Cup pedigree, having been runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022, is facing unexpected pressure after a 4-2 defeat to England. This loss has raised alarms within the squad, prompting self-criticism and a resolve to eliminate defensive mistakes. Coach Zlatko Dalić's expected starting eleven features Dominik Livaković; Josip Stanisić, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracić or Duje Caleta-Car, Josko Gvardiol; Mateo Kovacić, Luka Modrić; Petar Sucić, Martin Baturina, Ivan Perisić; and Ante Budimir.

The match will be officiated by Gabon's Pierre Atcho. All the latest updates and details can be followed via Cooperativa.cl's virtual scoreboard.