Croatia lineup vs. Panama: Predicted XI for World Cup 2026 Group L game as Luka Vuskovic doubt emerges

Croatia could permission retired Luka Vuskovic if they return to a backmost four erstwhile they look Panama connected Wednesday successful their 2nd crippled astatine the 2026 World Cup.

The Croatians deployed a three-man defence erstwhile they mislaid against England on June 17, but determination are immoderate reports suggesting that returning to a backmost 4 could cost Vuskovic a starting spot.

However, the centre-back is an incredibly talented defender, and leaving him retired whitethorn beryllium detrimental, truthful the astir apt result is for him to diagnostic adjacent to Josip Sutalo, with the brace acceptable to support shot-stopper Dominik Livakovic.

Josko Gvardiol would past beryllium moved to left-back, a presumption successful which helium has excelled, while Josip Stanisic would past look arsenic a right-back.

Luka Modric whitethorn beryllium 40, but helium is inactive a regular connected the planetary stage, and helium tin beryllium expected to marque his 200th quality for his nation.

The midfielder whitethorn beryllium joined by Mateo Kovacic and Mario Pasalic, though the 2 mightiness person to marque up for Modric's reduced mobility.

Ivan Perisic is different seasoned that volition apt marque an appearance, and the 37-year-old could play successful a beforehand 3 consisting of himself, Andrej Kramaric and Petar Musa.

Croatia imaginable starting lineup:

Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic, Pasalic; Perisic, Musa, Kramaric

> Click present to spot however Panama could enactment up against Croatia