Quick Facts
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group H
Date: 23 June 2026
Kick-off time: 7pm EST / 12am BST / 9am AEST
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
How to follow: Live text commentary via The Guardian Sport; broadcast details vary by region
Pre-Match Build-up: Dalic's Warning and Croatian Resilience
Good evening and welcome to our live coverage of Panama versus Croatia in Group H of the 2026 World Cup. Both sides are seeking their first points of the tournament after opening-day defeats, making this a pivotal encounter at Gillette Stadium.
Croatia's head coach Zlatko Dalic had warned before the tournament that losing an opening match can be catastrophic. His fears materialised as England romped to a 4-2 victory in Dallas, leaving the 2018 finalists precariously placed. Dalic had drawn on past experiences: a 3-0 loss to Spain at Euro 2024 preceded a group-stage exit, whereas a win over Nigeria in 2018 and a draw with Morocco in 2022 propelled deep runs. Now, with zero points, Croatia find themselves in must-win territory.
Panama also fell to defeat in their opener, going down 1-0 to Ghana in Toronto. The Central Americans showed resilience but lacked the cutting edge needed at this level. Manager Thomas Christiansen will demand a more ambitious approach, knowing another loss would effectively end their knockout-round hopes.
The match carries extra weight as the group's other fixture sees England face Ghana later tonight. With both Group H heavyweights on three points, the loser here will be left staring at an almost impossible route to the last 16.
Team News and Key Battles
Croatia are expected to recall captain Luka Modric to the starting XI after the 38-year-old midfielder was an unused substitute against England. The Real Madrid legend remains the heartbeat of the side, and his vision will be essential in unlocking a compact Panama defence. Forwards Ivan Perišić and Andrej Kramarić should also return as Dalic looks to inject experience.
Panama's hopes rest on the shoulders of José Fajardo, the rangy forward who caused Ghana problems with his physicality. The midfield duel between Modric and Panama's Aníbal Godoy could decide the tempo. At the back, Croatia must be wary of Panama's set-piece threat – a traditional strength.
"We know what is at stake. Our World Cup cannot end after two games. The players understand the responsibility and I trust them to show their true level," Dalic told reporters on the eve of the match.
How to Follow the Action
Kick-off is at midnight in the UK (7pm local time on the US East Coast, 9am AEST on Tuesday). The match is being played at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Revolution. While official broadcast details vary by territory, you can follow live text commentary right here. Our minute-by-minute updates will capture all the key moments, from starting lineups to post-match reaction.
For those inside the ground, a sell-out crowd is expected, with strong Croatian support travelling from across North America. The atmosphere should be electric under the Foxborough lights.
Live Updates: First Half
1 min: Referee Jesús Valenzuela blows his whistle and the match is underway. Croatia in their traditional red-and-white checks, Panama in all blue.
3 min: Early possession for Croatia as Modric drops deep to orchestrate. Panama sitting in a compact 4-4-2 shape.
7 min: First chance! Kramarić wriggles free in the box but his low shot is smothered by Panama goalkeeper Luis Mejía. Bright start from the Europeans.
Stay with us for all the action as it unfolds. We'll have goal alerts, key incidents and instant analysis throughout the evening.
Key Takeaways
- Croatia are aiming to avoid a second straight group-stage exit after their opening loss to England.
- Panama must improve dramatically in attack after failing to score against Ghana.
- Veteran Luka Modric is set to return to the Croatia lineup, providing much-needed creativity.
- The result will shape the Group H standings ahead of England vs. Ghana later tonight.
- A loss for either side would all but end their World Cup dream.