Luka Modric is set to reach another personal landmark when he plays for Croatia against Panama on Tuesday night but the wider implication of a vital game for the nations World Cup hopes will be at the forefront of the veteran midfielders mind.Modric will make his 200th appearance for Croatia when he takes the field in Toronto, becoming just the fourth player to win that number of caps all-time, following on from Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Bader Al-Mutawa (Kuwait) and Lionel Messi (Argentina).The 40-year-old is widely expected to retire after the tournament with reports suggesting a return to Real Madrid in an off-field sporting capacity will be his next move.More pressing is his desire to help Croatia to their first win of the World Cup after they lost their opening Group L game to England last Wednesday.The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup means all is not lost for Croatia and with winnable games against Panama and Ghana to come the 2018 runners-up still have hope.Modric will be the centre of attention, though, with his milestone moment recognised by several team-mates.Midfielder Petar Sucic said: Its difficult to reach this level, and even harder to stay there. That shows how special Luka is. We can only admire him and take our hats off to him.Striker Andrej Kramaric added: [200 is] a truly incredible number. Its hard to find the words. Its a remarkable story. Thank you, captain, thank you, Luka.Panama will be desperate to spoil the party, especially after squandering a point late on in their opening game against Ghana.The Central Americans were heading for a respectable draw only to succumb to Caleb Yirenkyis 95th-minute goal.Table of ContentsTeam news for Panama v CroatiaPredicted line-ups for Panama v CroatiaWhere to watch Panama v Croatia: TV and online streamsStats for Panama v CroatiaPrediction for Panama v CroatiaResponsible GamblingTeam news for Panama v CroatiaPanama have no injury worries and could line-up with the same team that faced Ghana.Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic is expected to revert back to a 4-2-3-1 formation that will see Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic start alongside Modric.Predicted line-ups for Panama v CroatiaPanama: Mosquera; Ramos, Cordoba, Andrade; Murillo, Harvey, Barcenas, Blackman; Martinez, Waterman, RodriguezCroatia: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Vuskovic; Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic, Perisic, Susic, Pasalic; MusaWhere to watch Panama v Croatia: TV and online streamsPanama versus Croatia kicks off on Tuesday at midnight UK time. You can watch it on BBC 1 and stream via the iPlayer.ClickHEREfor a full World Cup TV guideStats for Panama v CroatiaCroatia have lost three of their last four gamesPanama have won just two of their last eight gamesPanama have not played European opposition since a goalless draw in a friendly with Serbia in 2021These two teams have never met previouslyCroatias last meeting with a CONCACAF side was a 4-1 win over Canada at the 2022 World Cup in QatarPrediction for Panama v CroatiaCroatia were overpowered by England in the end but showed enough in the first half to suggest they can take at least four points from their last two pool games.They ought to be too strong for Panama.Prediction: Panama 1-2 CroatiaResponsible GamblingGambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)GamCare: www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware: gambleaware.orgGamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion service)Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Topics Croatia National Football Team luka modric Panama National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup 2026: Full list of confirmed teams, fixtures, groups and results Ben Miller 22nd June, 2026 Very emotional England boss Tuchel begs FIFA: It ruined my experience Ben Miller 18th June, 2026 Ghana v Panama: Confirmed line-ups for Group L clash Nicholas McGee 17th June, 2026 LIVE Ghana v Panama: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 16th June, 2026 England 4-2 Croatia: Report, result and goals as Three Lions start World Cup with thrilling win Nicholas McGee 17th June, 2026 WATCH: Kane scores double but England twice pegged back by Croatia Nicholas McGee 17th June, 2026
