World Cup Preview: Panama

Panama arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup eager to build on the experience gained from their historic debut appearance in 2018. Los Canaleros have established themselves as one of the most competitive nations in CONCACAF and have become regular contenders in regional tournaments. While they remain outsiders on the global stage, Panama possess enough quality and organisation to make life difficult for more fancied opponents.

Fixtures (UK time)

Ghana, June 18, 12am
Croatia, June 24, 12am
England, June 27, 10pm

How They Qualified

Panama secured their place at the World Cup through the CONCACAF qualification process, going unbeaten throughout the campaign to avoid a playoff. First, they won all four games in a group containing Nicaragua, Guyana, Montserrat and Belize before topping the final qualifying group above Suriname, Guatemala and El Salvador. Qualification ensured they would return to the World Cup finals for only the second time in their history and confirmed their status as one of the leading nations in Central American football.

The Manager

Thomas Christiansen has overseen one of the most successful periods in Panama’s football history. The Danish-Spanish coach took charge in 2020 and quickly transformed the national team into a well-organised and competitive outfit. Prior to his international role, Christiansen enjoyed managerial spells in Spain and Belgium and won promotion to the English Championship with Leeds United as a player. His tactical discipline and ability to maximise the strengths of his squad have been crucial to Panama’s continued progress.

The Star

Adalberto Carrasquilla has emerged as the heartbeat of the Panama national team. The midfielder gained widespread recognition after being named the best player at the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he played a pivotal role in Panama’s run to the final. Renowned for his composure on the ball, passing range and ability to dictate the tempo of matches, Carrasquilla is the player around whom Panama’s hopes are built. If Los Canaleros are to cause an upset, their midfield maestro will likely be at the centre of it.

The Familiar Face

Jose Cordoba was part of the Norwich City sqaud that finished ninth in the Championship last season, and has made 65 appearances in two seasons for the Canaries. The defender has developed a reputation as one of Panama’s most promising talents, combining physical strength with composure in possession. Still early in his career, Cordoba has already become a regular international and is viewed as a key figure in Panama’s future.

Did you know?

Panama’s first-ever World Cup goal was scored by veteran defender Felipe Baloy against England in 2018. At 37 years old, he became the oldest first-time World Cup goalscorer in tournament history.

The Prediction

Group Stage

Panama have been handed a difficult group containing England, Croatia and Ghana. While they are capable of competing with Ghana and may fancy their chances of claiming points, England and Croatia possess significantly greater quality and tournament experience. The expanded format means third place could still offer a route into the knockout rounds, but Panama are likely to need at least one major upset to remain in contention. A spirited campaign is expected, but a group-stage exit appears the most probable outcome.

Cover Photo: FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw Reception” by UKinUSA is licensed under CC BY SA 4.0 .