PANAMA CITY (Interstat) — Croatia and Panama meet Tuesday in a World Cup group stage match at Estadio Rommel Fernández, with both teams seeking a first win after opening-game losses. The match, scheduled for a 4 p.m. local kickoff, features a Croatia side still smarting from a 4-2 defeat at England on June 17. Panama also lost that day, falling 1-0 to Ghana. The Interstat game simulator projects a 2-1 victory for Croatia. Croatia’s recent form has been uneven. Before the loss to England, the Blazers drew 2-2 at home against North Macedonia on May 3 and beat Montenegro 3-2 on Nov. 17, 2025. They also notched victories over Faroe Islands (3-1 on Nov. 14) and Gibraltar (3-0 on Oct. 12). However, a 0-0 draw at Czechia on Oct. 9 and a 1-0 win over Faroe Islands on Sept. 5 underscore a side that has struggled to dominate. The squad’s most commanding performance came June 6, 2025, a 7-0 demolition of Gibraltar. Panama enters having shown defensive resilience. Aside from the 1-0 loss to Ghana, Los Canaleros have allowed just one goal in their last four matches. A 3-0 win at El Salvador on Nov. 18, 2025, and a 3-2 victory at Guatemala on Nov. 13 highlight attacking capability. Draws with Suriname (1-1 on Oct. 14) and El Salvador (0-1 win on Oct. 10) preceded a 1-1 tie at Guatemala on Sept. 8 and a 0-0 draw with Suriname on Sept. 4. Panama opened its 2025 campaign with wins over Nicaragua (3-0 on June 10) and Belize (2-0 on June 7). Tuesday’s clash carries significant weight. The winner gains three crucial points in the group standings. Croatia’s next match is against Ghana on Saturday, June 27, while Panama faces England that same day. Croatia’s veteran core, led by midfielder Luka Modrić, will look to control the tempo against a Panama side that relies on organized defending and quick counterattacks. Panama will count on goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera to build on his recent form. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. local time.