Croatia XI vs Panama – Predicted lineup and team news

Croatia XI vs Panama – Predicted lineup and team newsCroatia head into Wednesday’s early-hours fixture at Toronto Stadium knowing that anything less than three points will leave their World Cup campaign in serious jeopardy.

>Zlatko Dalic’s side showed character against England on matchday one, twice fighting back to level before defensive lapses in the second half proved costly in a 4-2 defeat. Croatia lined up in a three-man defensive system against England, but that shape was exposed badly after the interval, and Dalic is expected to switch to a 4-3-3 tonight in response. Panama, who pushed Ghana hard before conceding a stoppage-time winner, will not be taken lightly.

Croatia team newsDalic may switch to a back four tonight in response to the defensive vulnerabilities exposed against England. If so, Josip Stanisic could move to right-back, with Josip Sutalo and Luka Vuskovic partnering at centre-back and Josko Gvardiol continuing on the left. Dominik Livakovic is expected to continue in goal.

>Veteran captain Luka Modric, 40, is likely to start once more in the heart of midfield, with Mateo Kovacic alongside him to control possession and tempo. Petar Sucic could provide the energy and pressing intensity in the third midfield slot.

>Further forward, Martin Baturina may line up as an inside forward after his fine goal against England. Andrej Kramaric could be preferred over Petar Musa in the central attacking role, with Ivan Perisic potentially providing experience and width on the opposite flank.

Croatia predicted lineupCroatia possible starting XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic, P. Sucic; Baturina, Kramaric, Perisic

When does the match kick off?The Group L fixture kicks off at midnight BST in the early hours of Wednesday, 24 June 2026, at Toronto Stadium.

How to watch Panama vs Croatia?UK viewers can watch the match live and free-to-air on BBC One, with a live stream available via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

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