Modrić Returns to BMO Field Against the Canaleros
Croatia vs Panama at BMO Field on June 23 closes Group L Matchday 2. Modrić meets Carrasquilla. Tactics, lineups, predictions.
- June 23, 2026 Tuesday
- BMO Field
- Kick-Off 7:00 PM
A veteran generation meets underdog discipline at BMO Field.
Croatia’s tournament continues. Luka Modrić’s likely final World Cup tour continues. The Matchday 1 against England tested them against a tournament favorite. Panama’s tournament continues. The Canaleros’ Matchday 1 against Ghana revealed whether they can compete at this level. The match in Toronto on Tuesday evening between Croatia and Panama essentially decides Group L’s second qualification spot.
For Croatia, this is must-win. For Panama, this is the chance to keep tournament hopes alive.
Everything you need at kickoff
- Date
- Tue, June 23, 2026
- Kickoff (USA)
- 7:00 p.m. ET 4:00 p.m. PT
- Venue
- BMO Field Toronto, Canada
- Group
- Group L England · Croatia · Ghana · Panama
- Stage
- Matchday 2
- Capacity
- ~45,000 Expanded
- Weather
- Pleasant Toronto in late June
Essentially must-win; a chance to keep tournament dreams alive
For Croatia, this is essentially must-win. For Panama, this is the chance to keep tournament dreams alive.
The storylines writing themselves
Luka Modrić’s likely final World Cup
Veteran captain.
Adalberto Carrasquilla’s emergence
Panama’s creator.
Zlatko Dalić’s tactical project
Croatia’s manager.
Thomas Christiansen’s Panama project
Restoring belief.
A Toronto stage
Multicultural community.
Tale of the tape
Croatia’s Matchday 1 against England revealed whether the generation transition works.
Panama’s Matchday 1 against Ghana revealed their tournament readiness.
A 4-3-3 around Modrić’s tempo control.
A 4-4-2 / 4-3-3 hybrid emphasizing defensive structure and counter-attacking pace.
Modrić deliveries.
Direct corners.
- Luka Modrić — captain.
- Joško Gvardiol — defender.
- Mateo Kovačić — midfielder.
- Andrej Kramarić — striker.
- Aníbal Godoy — captain.
- Adalberto Carrasquilla — creator.
- Ismael Díaz — striker.
- Orlando Mosquera — goalkeeper.
- Generational transition.
- Pace at fullback.
- Striker output.
- Sustained possession.
- Squad pace at center-back.
- Striker output beyond primary forwards.
Croatia dominate possession; Panama absorbs
Croatia dominate possession. Panama absorbs.
Key questions
Can Panama trap Modrić?
Most decisive question.
Can Carrasquilla produce a moment?
Panama’s path.
Will Croatia’s experience prevail?
Likely.
The names that decide it
Captain.
Leader.
Press-resistant.
Veteran.
Penalty specialist.
Captain.
Creator.
Goal-scorer.
Veteran.
Veteran.
Rising Stars & Breakout Candidates
Croatia: Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split products emerging.
Panama: MLS-developed talents pushing for prominence.
The grass remembers everything
First-ever competitive meeting
Croatia and Panama have not previously met.
Croatia’s two semifinals in three World Cups
Remarkable.
Panama’s 2018 World Cup debut
Their only previous appearance.
BMO Field’s tournament prominence
Multiple high-profile matches.
Modrić’s likely final World Cup
Storyline weight.
A vibrant atmosphere
Toronto’s multicultural community will produce a vibrant atmosphere.
Expect from Croatia's supporters
- Croatian supporters in red and white.
- A pre-match fan festival.
And from Panama's supporters
- Panamanian-Canadian fans.
Fantasy & Betting Angle — informational only
Modrić key contribution: expected to remain a key fantasy asset.
Kramarić anytime scorer: consistent.Croatia clean sheet: plausible.A wildcard: Carrasquilla assist.
Play responsibly.
Best guess at kickoff
Lineups based on Matchday 1 performances. Late changes possible.
Modrić assists two goals.
The kind of vintage performance the Real Madrid veteran reserves for the biggest stages.
One Player Nobody Is Talking About
Joško Gvardiol. Croatia’s versatile defender will neutralize Panama’s wide attacks and step into midfield when needed.
Croatia control. Modrić assists both goals — one to Kramarić and one to Perišić. Panama compete but cannot create. Man of the match: Luka Modrić.
A match the World Cup romanticizes
A match the World Cup romanticizes. Croatia’s tournament continues. Panama’s tournament likely closes. BMO Field will produce another solid atmosphere.
