Croatia vs Panama Prediction, Odds, and Best Bet: World Cup Group L

When Croatia and Panama meet at BMO Field in Toronto on Tuesday, June 23, both teams will be staring down the barrel of elimination. Croatia, the 2018 World Cup runners-up and 2022 third-place finishers, suffered a 2-4 opening defeat to England in Arlington — a result that was both surprising in its margin and alarming for Zlatko Dalic’s camp. Panama, appearing at just their second-ever World Cup, fell 0-1 to Ghana thanks to a 95th-minute goal, leaving them still searching for their first point in the competition. With England and Ghana tied at the top of Group L on three points each, a draw here would likely benefit neither Croatia nor Panama. This is a match where both sides need to win.

Croatia vs Panama Odds and Betting Lines

Croatia are installed as clear favorites, with the moneyline sitting at approximately -185 in their favor, the draw at +310, and Panama at +550 to cause an upset. The handicap line is set at Croatia -1.25 goals, and the total is 2.5. Given Croatia’s pedigree at major tournaments and their superior squad depth compared to Panama, the market pricing looks about right — this is not a match where Croatia should be troubled, even after their difficult opener. If you want to bet on this one, the BetMGM promo code gives you up to $250 in bonus bets on your first deposit. The Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is another option worth exploring for the World Cup slate. For those who want to calculate potential parlay payouts, the Betting Calculator is a useful free tool.

Croatia’s Tournament Pressure and Key Players

Luka Modric is approaching the end of his extraordinary international career, and this World Cup represents one final opportunity to add to Croatia’s remarkable tournament legacy. Now 40 years old, Modric remains effective as a distributor and orchestrator, and his experience in these high-stakes situations is invaluable. Alongside him in midfield, Mateo Kovacic provides energy, pressing ability, and a direct goal threat from range. Up front, Andrej Kramaric is Croatia’s primary scoring option, capable of finding space in behind defensive lines and converting in tight situations. Ante Budimir is the market leader for first goalscorer in this match and provides a physical presence in and around the penalty area.

The most significant selection story heading into this match is the return of Josko Gvardiol. The Manchester City center back fractured his shin earlier in 2026 but was cleared for the tournament by Dalic, and his presence at left back transforms Croatia’s defensive solidity and attacking output in that area. At just 22 years old, Gvardiol is considered one of the top defenders in world football, and his availability considerably raises Croatia’s ceiling. The expected lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation features Livakovic in goal; Stanisic, Sutalo, Vuskovic, and Gvardiol in defense; Pasalic and Kovacic as the double pivot; with Modric, Kramaric, and Musa behind the striker. Ivan Perisic provides depth on the wings.

Panama enter this match with nothing to lose and a survival instinct that made them difficult to break down against Ghana. Playing at their second-ever World Cup after a debut appearance in Russia 2018, Panama are coached by Thomas Christiansen and are built on a compact defensive structure designed to frustrate opponents and keep matches tight. Their FIFA ranking of 34th reflects a team that has outperformed expectations in CONCACAF qualifying. However, Panama have failed to keep a clean sheet in eight consecutive matches heading into this tournament, which is a significant concern when facing a Croatian side with the quality to move the ball and find pockets of space. The ESPN BET promo code covers live betting on this match and gives you $100 in bonus bets to work with.

Prediction and Best Bet

Croatia’s quality in midfield and their World Cup experience give them a significant advantage in a match of this magnitude. Despite their disappointing opener against England, Dalic has the tactical flexibility to adjust and the squad depth to make it count against a Panama side that has not kept a clean sheet in recent outings. Modric and Kovacic will control the tempo, Kramaric will find the spaces, and Croatia should secure the three points their tournament situation demands.

• Prediction: Croatia 2, Panama 0
• Best Bet: Croatia moneyline (-185)

The moneyline at -185 is more than fair for a Croatian side with their experience and motivation. Panama’s ability to stay compact makes a blowout unlikely, but the European side should find enough quality moments to win this match without needing to hit the handicap. Croatia at -185 is the cleanest, safest play in this Group L clash at BMO Field.