Croatia face Panama in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L fixture at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Tuesday 23 June 2026. The 2018 finalists take on the Central American side in a match where progress from the group is the primary objective.
What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of football’s flagship tournament and the first to be jointly staged by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Running from 11 June to 19 July 2026, the competition features 48 teams, 104 matches, and a new Round of 32 knockout stage following a 12-group group phase.
Group L also contains England and Ghana, and Croatia know that maximising points against perceived lower-ranked opposition is vital in the new format. The top two from each group and the eight best third-placed sides progress.
When is Croatia vs Panama?
Croatia vs Panama kicks off at 7pm ET (12am BST on Wednesday 24 June) on Tuesday 23 June 2026. It is part of matchday two in Group L and concludes the day’s fixtures in the eastern United States.
Where is Croatia vs Panama being played?
The match takes place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, home of the NFL’s New England Patriots. The venue seats around 65,000 and is one of 11 US stadiums hosting 2026 World Cup matches. It hosts the earlier Ghana vs England clash on the same day.
Key Contenders
Croatia, silver medallists in 2018 and bronze medallists in 2022, remain one of the most consistent overperformers in international football. Head coach Zlatko Dalic relies on the evergreen Luka Modric alongside Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol and Andrej Kramaric. Even with a generational shift underway, Croatia’s blend of technical quality and tournament experience makes them dangerous.
Panama, making their second World Cup appearance after 2018, are led by head coach Thomas Christiansen. The Canaleros are built around Premier League defender Adalberto Carrasquilla, forward Jose Fajardo, and goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. Panama qualified through the CONCACAF route and view this tournament as a chance to record a historic first-ever World Cup win.
How to Watch
BBC and ITV share UK rights, with live streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. In the United States, FOX carries English-language coverage with Telemundo broadcasting in Spanish. HRT provides coverage for Croatian viewers, while RPC and Tigo Sports cover Panama. FIFA+ offers highlights worldwide.
History and Head-to-Head
Croatia and Panama have never previously met in senior international football. This marks a historic first encounter between the two nations. Croatia’s World Cup pedigree includes third place at France 1998, the runner-up finish at Russia 2018, and third place at Qatar 2022.
Tickets and Attendance
All tickets are sold through FIFA’s official ticketing platform at FIFA.com. Croatia matches have proved popular with the country’s diaspora in North America, and hospitality options are available through FIFA’s appointed hospitality partner. Unauthorised resale platforms should be avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Croatia vs Panama start?
The match kicks off at 7pm ET (12am BST) on Tuesday 23 June 2026.
Where is Croatia vs Panama being held?
At Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States.
How can I watch Croatia vs Panama?
BBC or ITV in the UK, FOX and Telemundo in the US, and FIFA+ worldwide.
What was Croatia’s best World Cup finish?
Croatia’s best finish was runner-up at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, losing 4-2 to France in the final.