CroatiavsPanama

This match is one of the 72 group-stage fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, pitting two of the four teams in Group L against each other. Every group plays six matches over roughly two weeks, with the top two finishers in each of the 12 groups advancing directly to the Round of 32 — where the knockout bracket begins. The eight best third-placed teams across all groups also progress, so even a third-place finish can be enough to keep a campaign alive.

Croatia continue to defy expectations as one of the smallest nations to consistently compete at the highest level of international football. Panama's qualification for the 2018 World Cup was one of the most emotional moments in CONCACAF football history, with the entire nation erupting in celebration and the president declaring a national holiday.

Croatia: Croatia reached the World Cup final in 2018 in Russia, losing to France 4-2, and finished third in 2022 in Qatar. Panama: Panama appeared at their first and only World Cup in 2018 in Russia, where they were drawn into a group with Belgium, England, and Tunisia.

The match is scheduled at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Canada. Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 01:00 AM (21:00 ET).