Panama — FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad, Fixtures & Preview
Panama appear at their second-ever FIFA World Cup, having made a famous debut in Russia 2018. Under Danish head coach Thomas Christiansen, Los Canaleros earned their place in North America with an unbeaten CONCACAF qualifying campaign — one of the most impressive records in the confederation. The official 26-man squad was announced on 26 May 2026.
Panama face England, Croatia, and Ghana in Group L — a tough draw on paper, but one that Los Canaleros will approach with confidence. Captain Aníbal Godoy, 36 years old and Panama’s most-capped player of all time with 159 appearances, leads a squad that combines CONCACAF experience with creative attacking talent. Two matches in Toronto and a final group game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey make this a North American adventure for the ages.
Panama — FIFA World Cup 2026
Group L · Coach: Thomas Christiansen · Los Canaleros
Contents
Panama World Cup 2026 Squad
Thomas Christiansen named his 26-man squad on 26 May 2026. The selection rewards the players who drove Panama’s unbeaten CONCACAF qualifying campaign. Aníbal Godoy captains the side for what could be his final World Cup at age 36, while the midfield combination of Godoy and Carrasquilla forms the backbone of the team’s identity.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Key Players to Watch at World Cup 2026
Panama’s squad may not have household names at the top clubs in Europe, but these six players have the quality and experience to cause problems for any team in Group L.
Panama’s best player and creative hub, known as ‘Coco’. Carrasquilla has become the most technically gifted midfielder in CONCACAF. His vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo from the middle of the park make him Panama’s most important player by far.
The record-breaking captain with 159 international caps — the most by any Panamanian player in history. Godoy’s defensive midfield quality, leadership, and reading of the game have been central to Panama’s qualifying success for over a decade.
Panama’s most potent attacker. Díaz has been consistently prolific in Liga MX with León and brings that form to the international stage. His pace, movement, and clinical finishing make him the primary goal threat for Los Canaleros.
A powerful, direct striker whose iconic Nations League goal against the USA sent Panama to the CONCACAF Nations League final. Waterman’s physical presence, aerial ability, and big-game temperament make him dangerous at set pieces and in transition.
One of Panama’s most experienced international defenders with extensive European football experience at Anderlecht. Murillo provides quality and composure at right-back, giving Panama an attacking platform from wide areas.
The forward who scored the decisive goal against El Salvador to seal Panama’s World Cup qualification. Fajardo has repeatedly shown he can deliver in the biggest moments when Los Canaleros need him most.
Tactics and Formation Under Thomas Christiansen
Thomas Christiansen typically organises Panama in a compact 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 that prioritises defensive solidity and organisation first. Godoy and Carrasquilla form the central midfield partnership — Godoy provides the defensive screen while Carrasquilla is given the freedom to create and dictate. Panama’s greatest threat comes from quick counter-attacks through the pace of Díaz and Waterman up front.
Against the top sides in Group L — England and Croatia — Panama will set up defensively and look to create from transitions. Against Ghana, they will be more adventurous and expect to control more possession. The key tactical battle for Panama in every game will be whether Carrasquilla can find space to operate in and whether the forwards can take their chances when they arrive.
| Formation | Style | Key Shape | Primary Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-4-2 | Defensive + counter-attack | Godoy screens; Carrasquilla creates; two up front | Solid shape, dangerous on the break |
| 4-2-3-1 | Compact mid-block | Double pivot with Godoy; Carrasquilla as 10 | Hard to break down, lethal in transition |
| 4-3-3 | Pressing game vs weaker sides | Harvey wide; Carrasquilla central; high line | More possession, wider attacking threat |
Group L Fixtures — Panama at WC 2026
Panama play two of their three group games at BMO Field in Toronto before a final group showdown against England at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The Toronto double-header against Ghana and Croatia gives Panama a realistic chance of collecting points before the England match. Advancing would mean finishing in the top two of Group L or as one of the best third-placed teams.
| Date | Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 June 2026 | Panama vs Ghana | BMO Field | Toronto, Canada |
| 23 June 2026 | Panama vs Croatia | BMO Field | Toronto, Canada |
| 27 June 2026 | Panama vs England | MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford, NJ |
Group L — FIFA World Cup 2026
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇸 England | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇭🇷 Croatia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇵🇦 Panama | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
England are strong favourites to top Group L. Croatia are experienced campaigners who will fight for second place. Ghana and Panama will battle for any points available. Panama’s most realistic target is finishing third and hoping to advance as one of the best third-placed teams across all groups — a format that gives every team a genuine lifeline.
CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying
Panama earned their World Cup place with one of the most impressive CONCACAF qualifying campaigns in their history. They went unbeaten throughout — winning their Second Round group with a perfect 4-0-0 record, then finishing top of Final Round Group A. The campaign confirmed Panama as the strongest CONCACAF nation outside the three co-hosts.
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇵🇦 Panama | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 12 |
| 🇸🇻 El Salvador | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — | 8 |
| 🇬🇹 Guatemala | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | — | — | 6 |
| 🇯🇲 Jamaica | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | — | — | 5 |
Panama 2026 World Cup Kits
Panama’s 2026 World Cup kits draw on the red, white, and blue of the national flag. The home kit’s red shirt is iconic among Panamanian football supporters and has been worn across historic qualifying campaigns. Official kit images will be updated when released by the Federación Panameña de Fútbol.
Panama at the World Cup
Panama have one of the shortest but most emotionally significant World Cup histories in CONCACAF. After decades of near-misses in qualifying, they finally reached their first World Cup in Russia 2018 — a moment of national celebration. Now, in 2026, they return to the tournament on home soil with greater experience and higher ambitions.
| Year | Stage | Notable Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Group Stage | Debut WC — Group G: Belgium, England, Tunisia — 1 point |
| 2026 | TBD | Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana — BMO Field & MetLife Stadium |
The 2018 World Cup remains Panama’s proudest footballing moment. Felipe Baloy’s goal against England was the country’s first-ever World Cup goal — met with widespread celebration despite the 6–1 defeat. In 2026, Panama return with a stronger squad, greater tournament experience, and the determination to go further than they did eight years ago.
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