Zlatan Ibrahimovic backs Croatia and predicts trouble for Panama at World Cup 2026

Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his debut as a World Cup 2026 studio analyst on Fox Sports in the United States and quickly became the headline of the tournament’s opening days. The former Sweden star was asked which group interested him most, and he pointed to Group 12, saying he would personally support Croatia because of his family ties. "There is Croatia there. I have a bit of Croatian roots," he said, referring to his mother, Jurka, who was born in Croatia.

Group 12 includes Thomas Tuchel’s England, 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Ibrahimovic said England and Croatia would fight for first place, while Ghana could be competitive enough to take points and disrupt the group. But he was dismissive of Panama’s chances.

"I just do not see Panama doing anything," he said. "I do not want to sound disrespectful, but this is a very difficult group with three proven teams." When the host pressed him on whether Panama might at least score a goal or earn a point, Ibrahimovic stood firm and added, "It is just going to be too hard for them." He also joked about his fellow studio guest Thierry Henry, saying Henry was "too nice" when praising teams.

Meanwhile, Sweden is preparing for its first match of the tournament against Tunisia on Monday.