FIFA World Cup 2026 Team Profile: Panama
Panama is still seeking their first-ever World Cup win.
MIAMI – The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins on June 11, with Panama set to make its second appearance in the competition.
Ahead of the tournament, we take a closer look at Panama’s history, key players and storylines.
World Cup History and Records
FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2 (2018, 2026)
WC Record: GP3 W0 D0 L3 GF2 GA11
Best WC Performance: First round (2018)
Most WC Apps: 7 players (3)
Most WC Goals: Felipe Baloy (1)
Most WC Assists: Ricardo Ávila (1)
How They Qualified
Panama secured direct qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after topping Group A in the Third Round of the Concacaf Qualifiers.
Group and Schedule
Panama is in Group L with England, Croatia and Ghana.
Their group stage schedule is as follows:
Ghana (Toronto Stadium) — June 17, 7:00 p.m. ET
Croatia (Toronto Stadium) — June 23, 7:00 p.m. ET
England (New York/New Jersey Stadium) — June 27, 5:00 p.m. ET
Recent Results and Friendlies
In its final two friendlies before the World Cup, Panama earned a 4-2 victory over the Dominican Republic before playing Bosnia and Herzegovina to a 1-1 draw.
Head Coach Profile
Thomas Christiansen will guide Panama at his first FIFA World Cup as a head coach. Since taking charge in July 2020, Christiansen has overseen a period of sustained growth for Los Canaleros, including knockout-stage appearances in two of the last three Concacaf Gold Cups, highlighted by a runner-up finish in 2023.
Key Players
Aníbal Godoy - The experienced captain is the engine in the midfield that brings defensive stability.
Adalberto Carrasquilla - A relentless midfielder, and former Concacaf Player of the Year, Carrasquilla is vital for the attack with his pace and great transition play.
Cecilio Waterman - A reliable veteran forward that brings a physical edge to the offense.
Game Changer
Ismael Díaz enters the tournament as one of Panama’s most dangerous attacking threats. The forward claimed the Top Scorer Award at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup by scoring six goals, showcasing the finishing ability that could prove crucial on the world stage.
Rising Star
Edgardo Fariña, 24, has emerged as an important figure in Panama’s defense. The towering center back will be tasked with helping contain some of the tournament’s most potent attacking talent.
Statistical Snapshot
Panama, along with Curaçao, were the only teams to avoid defeat among the teams with 10+ matches, while recording the highest turnovers (82) and pressed sequences (137), during the Concacaf Qualifiers to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Only three players recorded more assists than Panama’s Amir Murillo (3) in the Concacaf Qualifiers to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Panama is still seeking their first-ever World Cup win
Historic Storyline Entering the Tournament
After a difficult World Cup debut in 2018 that ended with three group-stage defeats, Panama arrives at the 2026 tournament as a more experienced and established side.
With a strong core of veterans, emerging talent, and confidence gained from an impressive qualifying campaign, Los Canaleros will look to challenge expectations and compete for a place in the knockout rounds despite facing a formidable Group L.
