Panama team profile - FIFA World Cup 2026
In the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico, we shine a spotlight on Panama.
FIFA World Ranking: 33
Confederation: CONCACAF
Who is Panama’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Panama’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Thomas Christiansen. He took charge of the national team on April 2020, replacing Americo Gallego.
Who is Panama’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Panama’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Anibal Godoy. He was skipper for their only previous World Cup campaign in 2018 and boasts over 150 caps for his country.
How many times have Panama participated in a FIFA World Cup before 2026?
1 – 2018
What is Panama’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup?
Group Stage – 2018 (Panama lost all three group games in their sole previous FIFA World Cup appearance, scoring just two goals and conceding 11.)
How did Panama qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Panama qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026 after finishing top of their group in the third round of CONCACAF qualification. They entered the qualifying stage in the second round, where the 30 highest ranked CONCACAF teams were drawn into six groups of five with the top two in each group advancing to the third round. This didn’t include USA or Canada, who both qualified automatically for FIFA World Cup 2026 as tournament hosts.
Panama finished top of their second round group with a 100% record, winning all four of their games. They and the 11 other qualifiers were then drawn into three groups of four with the first-place finishers booking their place at FIFA World Cup 2026.
After six rounds of matches, where each nation played their group stage opponents home and away, Panama ended with three wins and three draws, enough to finish top of Group A above Suriname, Guatemala and El Salvador.
Confirmation of Panama’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification came on November 18, 2025, after a 3-0 win over El Salvador in the final round of group games.
Who are Panama’s star players?
Experience within the Panama squad is going to be crucial in such a tough group and Anibal Godoy (San Diego FC) is not only the leader of this team but brings a level of defensive steel and calmness to the midfield, which will be vital for Panama at FIFA World Cup 2026.
Winger Yoel Barcenas (Mazatlan) also has over 100 caps to his name and started in all three of Panama’s fixtures at FIFA World Cup 2018. Having already found the net once for his country this year, Barcenas’ can play on either wing, has excellent work rate and whose crossing ability could lead to some big goalscoring opportunities.
Who is in Panama’s group at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Panama are in Group L, which consists of the following teams:
England
Croatia
Ghana
Panama
Panama’s Group L fixtures are as follows:
Ghana vs Panama: Wednesday June 17, 2026 – 7:00pm ET, 12:00am UK (Thursday)
Panama vs Croatia: Tuesday June 23, 2026 – 7:00pm ET, 12:00am UK (Wednesday)
Panama vs England: Saturday June 27, 2026 – 5:00pm ET, 10:00pm UK
All kick-off dates are based on a local kick-off time
Where is Panama’s base camp at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Nottawasaga Training Site – New Tecumseth, Ontario, Canada
Expert prediction for Panama’s chances at FIFA World Cup 2026
Despite being widely considered a stronger team than what we saw in 2018, Panama remains distant outsiders to reach the knockout stage at FIFA World Cup 2026 after being drawn into an extremely hard group. They will once again face England, who thrashed them 6-1 when they last met in the group stage with Three Lions captain Harry Kane scoring a hat-trick.
Whilst facing England in the final round of matches could prove a blessing in disguise if they’ve already won two games and Thomas Tuchel opts to give the likes of Kane a rest, Panama will also enter their fixtures against both Ghana and Croatia as underdogs. Croatia especially should overcome them relatively easily and Ghana have that extra layer of class across their squad compared to Panama.
Thomas Christiansen has been in charge for a long time now and the players know what he expects defensively, along with how to implement his preferred style of play. But it surely won’t save them from finishing bottom of Group L.
What round will Panama reach at FIFA World Cup 2026? Group Stage
