Panama to close World Cup campaign against England

Panama closes Group L against England in New York/New Jersey, looking to finish its FIFA World Cup campaign with a positive result.

NEW YORK – The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with Panama facing England in Group L on Saturday, 5:00 PM ET (5:00 PM local), at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.

Los Canaleros will seek to exit the tournament with a positive result following hard-fought defeats to Ghana and Croatia, both by the minimal difference.

Amir Murillo leads Panama with three scoring attempts through its two Group Stage matches. Murillo also leads his team with most sprints (105), and offers to receive (92).

José Córdoba is the nation’s top passer (143) at the 2026 edition, while José Luis Rodríguez has provided the most crosses (15), and most receptions between midfield and defensive line (34).

Andrés Andrade has been a disruptor for opposing sides, with most attempted line breaks (100) and most completed line breaks (60) for Panama.

Carlos Harvey has been the player to cover the most distance for Panama with a total distance ran of 23.42 km, and has been the fastest player on the team with an average speed of 6.85 km/h.

The Central Americans have been without one of their top players, 2023/24 Concacaf Men's Player of the Year Adalberto Carrasquilla, who has not appeared in the tournament after an injury with Pumas UNAM in the Liga MX Clausura 2026 Final.

England enters as the group’s leader with four points after a scoreless draw with Ghana. Harry Kane leads the team with two goals in the 2026 edition.

Panama vs Croatia Game-Notes

• Panama has reached halftime without allowing a goal in four of their five FIFA World Cup matches.
• After not conceding a single shot to Ghana in the first half of their opening match, Panama conceded only two attempts to Croatia before halftime today.
• Panama have now delivered 50 crosses in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, already 16 more than in their previous participation (34 through three games in 2018).
• Panama is the second Concacaf team to prevent Croatia from taking any shots on target in the first half of a FIFA World Cup match, following Mexico in 2014.
• Panama recorded 29 crosses, 20 touches in the opponent's box, and completed nine dribbles against Croatia, marking its highest totals in those categories in a FIFA World Cup match.
• Yoel Barcenas became the first Panamanian player to complete more than 90% of his passes in two different matches at a FIFA World Cup, among players who attempted 40 or more passes. He did so against Ghana (52/56 – 93%) and today against Croatia (40/44 – 91%).
• Right wing-back Amir Murillo led Panama against Croatia in total shots (3), touches in the opponent’s box (6), dribbles attempted (6) and completed (2).