Croatia vs Panama will kick off at 12:00am British time this evening, with the game being played at Toronto Stadium.
The Luka Modric-led national side will look to capitalise on Group L’s wide open state of affairs, after a hideous England display vs Ghana.
Croatia aim to bounce back after their loss vs the Three Lions last week, while Panama search for a World Cup win – but who is the referee?
Who is the referee for Croatia vs Panama?
As it stands, Croatia and Panama are both on 0 points in Group L after losses to England and Ghana respectively, who played to a 0-0 stalemate tonight.
For tonight’s game, Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho will serve as referee, with all to play for in Group L.
Atcho will be joined by fellow countrymen Boris Ditsoga and Amos Abeigne Ndong as his assistant referees.
Egypt’s Amin Mohamed is the fourth official, and Australia’s Jarred Gillett will assume VAR responsibilites.
Atcho has past experience on the biggest of international stages, particularly on the African continent.
The Gabonese referee has overseen multiple Africa Cup of Nations face-offs, including the Senegal vs Egypt semi-final in the 2026 tournament, which ended 1-0 to the former.
At that competition, Atcho has averaged over 4.5 bookings per game, and a penalty or red card every 2.5 games.
The 33-year-old also served as referee for Egypt’s 3-1 victory over Benin in the same tournament, delivering a strong officiating performance in a clash that exceeded 90 minutes.
At the 2026 World Cup, Atcho also refereed Norway vs Iraq, which ended 4-1 to the former with an Erling Haaland brace.
Panama lost 1-0 to Ghana in their opening Group L match, and Croatia fell 4-2 to England in a revenge clash from their 2018 semi-final.