Panama at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Panama made their FIFA World Cup debut in 2018 in Russia, becoming the first Central American nation other than Costa Rica to qualify for the tournament in decades. They were drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, England, and Tunisia, finishing last in the group without winning a match. Their most celebrated moment of that tournament was Felipe Baloy's late goal against England, which made him Panama's first-ever World Cup scorer at the age of 37. The 2026 edition is their second World Cup appearance. Panama have never progressed beyond the group stage, making any advancement in 2026 a historic first.

Qualification

Panama qualified for the 2026 World Cup by finishing first in CONCACAF final round Group A with three wins and three draws from six matches. They secured their spot with a crucial 3-0 victory over El Salvador on November 18, 2025, which pipped Suriname to first place on the final matchday. Head coach Thomas Christiansen, a Danish-born former professional footballer of Spanish heritage who has been in charge since July 2020, guided the team through a demanding qualifying process that included an earlier second-round campaign with victories over Nicaragua, Guyana, Montserrat, and Belize.

Preparation

Panama began their World Cup preparations with a private training phase at the new High-Performance Center in Burunga, Arraijan, running until May 22, 2026. The official squad concentration started on May 24, and Thomas Christiansen announced his final 26-man roster on May 26. They lost 6-2 to Brazil at the Maracanã on May 31, beat Dominican Republic 4-2 at home on June 3 (though goalkeeper César Samudio limped off with right-ankle discomfort), and drew 1-1 with Bosnia in St. Louis on June 6. They arrived at their Canadian base, the Nottawasaga Resort in New Tecumseth, Ontario, on June 7. By June 11, Luis Mejía had received medical clearance; however, Adalberto Carrasquilla was confirmed out for the opener. On June 16, Christiansen kept the 26-man list unchanged and released contingency reserves J.D. Gunn and Víctor Griffith. In their Group L opener on June 17, Panama lost 1-0 to Ghana at BMO Field in Toronto: Caleb Yirenkyi scored in the 90+5' minute. Orlando Mosquera started in goal; Carrasquilla remained on the bench throughout without entering. On June 18 Carrasquilla rejoined full group training for the first time since May 24, but then suffered a further setback before the Croatia fixture. Panama played Croatia on June 23 at BMO Field: Ante Budimir scored in the 54th minute to give Croatia a 1-0 win and eliminate Panama with one match to play. Carrasquilla was again absent. In the dead-rubber group finale on June 27 at MetLife Stadium, Jude Bellingham (62') and Harry Kane (67') sealed a 2-0 England win. Carrasquilla was listed on the bench but did not enter, missing Panama's entire group stage. Christiansen said afterwards: 'The image of Panama has been really good' and that the squad 'gave their everything.' Panama finished third in Group L with zero goals scored in three matches. Veteran midfielder Alberto Quintero (38, 141 caps) retired from international football after the tournament.

Latest news

Cristian Martínez joins César Blackman at Slovan Bratislava after World Cup run

· general

Cristian 'Fulo' Martínez left Israel's Ironi Kiryat Shmona to sign for Slovakia's ŠK Slovan Bratislava, reuniting with fellow Panamanian defender César Blackman, at the club since 2023. He was seen as one of Panama's pleasant surprises at the 2026 World Cup despite the team's group-stage elimination.

Federation confirms Thomas Christiansen stays on as Panama coach through the 2030 cycle

· coach

The Panamanian Football Federation confirmed Thomas Christiansen continues as head coach, extending the project he began in 2020. His new term starts 1 August 2026 and initially runs through December 2026, to lead Panama's 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign; the incoming executive committee will later decide on continuation. Federation president Manuel Arias said funding is secured.

Panama lose 0-2 to England in group finale; Bellingham and Kane score in second half

· matches

England beat Panama 2-0 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on June 27. Jude Bellingham diverted Bukayo Saka's corner into the net (62') and Harry Kane headed home from Bellingham's cross (67'), becoming England's all-time top World Cup scorer with 11 goals. Panama had a late goal disallowed for offside. Carrasquilla was on the bench but did not enter. England topped Group L.

Christiansen: 'The image of Panama has been really good' after three-match World Cup exit

· general

After the 0-2 defeat to England, Thomas Christiansen said the squad 'gave their everything' and that 'for the outside world, the image of Panama has been really good.' Panama finished third in Group L without scoring a single goal across three group-stage matches. Veteran Alberto Quintero ended his international career with the tournament.

Panama eliminated after 0-1 defeat to Croatia; Budimir seals it in the 54th minute

· matches

Panama lost 0-1 to Croatia at BMO Field in Toronto on June 23. Ante Budimir scored with a tap-in after a cross by Josip Stanisic (54'). José Luis Rodríguez headed the crossbar in the 23rd minute and Panama had three straight chances in the 67th saved by Dominik Livakovic. Carrasquilla was again absent. Luka Modric played his 200th international cap.

Christiansen: 'We died with our boots on'; acknowledges Carrasquilla absence hurt

· general

After the Croatia defeat and elimination, Christiansen said: 'We played well, we died with our boots on, with our identity.' He acknowledged wanting Carrasquilla available: 'I would have liked to have Carrasquilla well, to have another option in midfield.' Panama face England on June 27 in a dead rubber at MetLife Stadium.

Carrasquilla suffers training setback, ruled out for Croatia match; England return targeted

· injuries

Carrasquilla suffered a training setback and will miss Panama vs Croatia (June 23). Christiansen: 'There was progress, but during a training action he didn't look good.' He is ruled out and the midfield will be covered by Harvey, Martínez and Bárcenas. Christiansen hopes Carrasquilla returns for England (June 27).

Alberto Quintero announces international retirement after the 2026 World Cup

· general

Veteran midfielder Alberto Quintero, 38, confirmed his international career ends after the 2026 World Cup. On June 20 he said: 'It ends here after the World Cup. It's 19 years representing my country with great pride, with ups and downs, but above all with dreams fulfilled.' Quintero has 141 caps and expressed the squad's determination to make history in the remaining matches.

Carrasquilla seen in differentiated training on Saturday after concerning Friday absence

· injuries

Carrasquilla was seen at Nottawasaga field #2 on June 20 doing differentiated stretching while teammates ran drills, three days before the Croatia match. He had not left the team hotel on Friday - his first such absence since arriving in Canada. Teammate Quintero said they see Carrasquilla 'very well', that he has made good progress and remains highly motivated.

Carrasquilla joins full group training for first time; targets Croatia debut

· injuries

Adalberto Carrasquilla trained with the full squad on the field at the Nottawasaga base for the first time since his May 24 adductor injury - 26 days after the incident. He was the principal novelty of the session, completing ball work and collective drills. He is aiming to debut against Croatia on June 23. The 11 starters from Ghana did recovery work.

Panama lose 1-0 to Ghana in World Cup opener on Yirenkyi's stoppage-time goal

· matches

Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in their Group L opener at BMO Field in Toronto. Caleb Yirenkyi scored in the 90+5' after Brandon Thomas-Asante's run exposed Panama's defence. Mosquera started in goal; Carrasquilla remained on the bench throughout without entering. Panama had chances through Waterman (2') and Ramos (38') but could not convert.

Christiansen: 'It is cruel to lose the match the way we lost it'

· general

After the 1-0 defeat to Ghana, Christiansen described the loss as cruel, saying errors are punished heavily in a World Cup and that Panama came close to making history. He criticised the defensive positioning that led to the 94' goal, and called on the squad to learn, lift themselves as a team, and deliver a strong result against Croatia on June 23.

Christiansen keeps 26-man list unchanged before Ghana; JD Gunn and Griffith released

· squad

With 24 hours until the Ghana opener, Thomas Christiansen exercised his right to make late changes but chose to keep the 26-man squad intact. Reserve goalkeeper JD Gunn and midfielder Victor Griffith, who had been at the Nottawasaga base as contingency cover, were released. With Luis Mejia fully recovered and Carrasquilla approaching return, the backups were no longer considered necessary.

Carrasquilla confirmed out for Ghana opener; England match now realistic return target

· injuries

Carrasquilla is confirmed to miss Panama's debut against Ghana on 17 June. Christiansen keeps the 26-man list unchanged, with Victor Griffith as cover. There is optimism for the Croatia match (23 June), but Panama legend Jorge Dely Valdes said the England match (27 June) is the realistic return target.

Mejia receives medical clearance and rejoins full squad training

· injuries

Goalkeeper Luis Mejia has received medical clearance and is set to rejoin the squad fully. Journalist Ricardo Icaza reported he is practically recovered and will join the group completely. Mejia had missed all three pre-tournament friendlies with a muscular problem from late May. He will compete with Mosquera and Samudio for the starting spot.

Panama finalise preparation at Ontario base, eyeing a result beyond 2018

· general

Panama are wrapping up their World Cup build-up at the Nottawasaga Resort in New Tecumseth, Ontario, about 80 km north of Toronto, before opening against Ghana on 17 June. Midfielder Cesar Yanis said the squad want to make history and go further than in 2018, when Panama lost all three group games on debut. Panama are in Group L with Ghana, England and Croatia.

Mejia and Godoy rejoin full training at base camp; Carrasquilla still apart

· injuries

In Panama's first training at their Nottawasaga base, goalkeeper Luis Mejia worked with the keepers and captain Anibal Godoy took part, both having recovered from muscle injuries and rejoined the group in a light session. Adalberto Carrasquilla was the only player still apart; Christiansen will wait until 16 June, a day before the opener, to decide on him, with Victor Griffith on standby.

Panama reach their Canada base with 28 players; Barria stays behind

· general

Panama arrived at their Nottawasaga base in New Tecumseth, Ontario, on the afternoon of 7 June, travelling with 28 players: the 26 World Cup squad plus reserves J.D. Gunn (GK) and Victor Griffith (MF). Young forward Kadir Barria did not make the trip and stayed in the United States after the Bosnia friendly. The base sits north of Toronto, where Panama play their first two group matches.

Panama draw 1-1 with Bosnia in their final World Cup warm-up

· matches

In their last pre-tournament friendly, Panama drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina at Energizer Park in St. Louis on 6 June. Nikola Katic headed Bosnia ahead (23') before Jiovany Ramos equalised in first-half stoppage time (45+3'). Orlando Mosquera started in goal and made important late saves. Panama close their build-up with one win, one draw and one defeat.

Godoy and Londono back to full fitness; Carrasquilla still short before Ghana

· injuries

After the Bosnia draw Christiansen said Anibal Godoy has trained fully and moves freely (running, sprinting, changing direction), while Azarias Londono returned for his first send-off-friendly minutes and looked well. Adalberto Carrasquilla has not yet reached match fitness; keeper Mosquera said he hopes Coco is ready to face Ghana. Panama travel to their Ontario base on 7 June.

Christiansen: no serious injuries; Carrasquilla's opener still not guaranteed

· injuries

After the Dominican Republic friendly Christiansen said the squad leaves with minutes for everyone and no serious injuries. He said Carrasquilla is progressing but did not guarantee him for the debut, that Mejia and Carrasquilla remain on differentiated work, Londono is close to normal training, and Godoy rejoins in St. Louis. The team travels 5 June for the Bosnia friendly on 6 June.

Goalkeeper Samudio limps off with right-ankle discomfort vs Dominican Republic

· injuries

Starting goalkeeper Cesar Samudio felt discomfort in his right ankle around the 65th minute of the Dominican Republic friendly and was replaced by JD Gunn. Christiansen described it afterwards as a minor muscle problem that is not serious and said Samudio will be fine, with no further squad changes planned.

Panama beat Dominican Republic 4-2 in home farewell before the World Cup

· matches

In their final pre-tournament match on home soil, Panama defeated Dominican Republic 4-2 at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez on 3 June. Tomas Rodriguez (16'), Victor Griffith (44'), Cecilio Waterman (57') and Kadir Barria (88') scored for Panama; Mariano Diaz (47') and Erick Japa (67') replied for the visitors. Cesar Samudio started in goal and Christiansen rotated heavily, making 15 substitutions.

Brazil thrash Panama 6-2 in Maracana send-off friendly

· matches

In their first pre-World Cup friendly, Panama lost 6-2 to hosts Brazil at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on 31 May. Orlando Mosquera started in goal with Luis Mejia and Adalberto Carrasquilla absent. Panama's goals came from a Matheus Cunha own goal (14') and a late Carlos Harvey strike (84').

Mejia and Londono stay home as Panama travel to Brazil with 23

· injuries

Panama departed for the Brazil friendly with a 23-man group, leaving out three of the World Cup 26. Goalkeeper Luis Mejia was ruled out injured, while Adalberto Carrasquilla and Azarias Londono remained in Panama to continue their conditioning. Kadir Barria, Jorge Gutierrez and Jiovany Ramos joined the group directly in Rio.

Goalkeeper Luis Mejia suffers right-hamstring tear days after WC call-up

· injuries

Club Nacional confirmed Luis Mejia tore his right hamstring (isquiotibial) during their Copa Libertadores match against Coquimbo Unido on 26 May, just after his World Cup call-up. Reports from Uruguay describe it as a minor strain from fixture build-up; he travelled to Panama to recover and remains in the 26, but his fitness is now in doubt. No replacement has been called up.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Luis MejíaGKClub Nacional
César SamudioGKCD Marathón
Orlando MosqueraGKAl-Fayha
Éric DavisDFPlaza Amador
César BlackmanDFSlovan Bratislava
José CórdobaDFNorwich City
Roderick MillerDFTuran Tovuz
Andrés AndradeDFLASK
Michael MurilloDFBeşiktaş
Jiovany RamosDFAcademia Puerto Cabello
Jorge GutiérrezDFDeportivo La Guaira
Fidel EscobarDFDeportivo Saprissa
Edgardo FariñaDFPari Nizhny Novgorod
Aníbal GodoyMFSan Diego FC
Édgar BárcenasMFMazatlán FC
Adalberto CarrasquillaMFUNAM Pumas
Cristian MartínezMFSlovan Bratislava
Carlos HarveyMFMinnesota United
José Luis RodríguezMFFC Juárez
Alberto QuinteroMFCD Plaza Amador
Azarías LondoñoMFUniversidad Católica
Cecilio WatermanFWUniversidad de Concepción
Ismael DíazFWClub León
José FajardoFWUniversidad Católica
César YanisFWCobresal
Tomás RodríguezFWDeportivo Saprissa

Recent results

  • 2024-06-06 — PAN 2-0 GUY (qualification)
  • 2024-06-09 — MSR 1-3 PAN (qualification)
  • 2024-06-16 — PAN 0-1 PAR (friendly)
  • 2024-10-12 — USA 2-0 PAN (friendly)
  • 2024-10-15 — CAN 2-1 PAN (friendly)
  • 2025-02-08 — CHI 6-1 PAN (friendly)
  • 2025-06-07 — BLZ 0-2 PAN (qualification)
  • 2025-06-10 — PAN 3-0 NCA (qualification)
  • 2025-09-04 — SUR 0-0 PAN (qualification)
  • 2025-09-08 — PAN 1-1 GUA (qualification)
  • 2025-10-10 — SLV 0-1 PAN (qualification)
  • 2025-10-14 — PAN 1-1 SUR (qualification)
  • 2025-11-13 — GUA 2-3 PAN (qualification)
  • 2025-11-18 — PAN 3-0 SLV (qualification)
  • 2026-01-18 — BOL 1-1 PAN (friendly)
  • 2026-01-22 — PAN 0-1 MEX (friendly)
  • 2026-03-27 — RSA 1-1 PAN (friendly)
  • 2026-03-31 — RSA 1-2 PAN (friendly)
  • 2026-05-31 — BRA 6-2 PAN (friendly)
  • 2026-06-03 — PAN 4-2 DOM (friendly)
  • 2026-06-06 — BIH 1-1 PAN (friendly)
  • 2026-06-23 — PAN 0-1 CRO (group)
  • 2026-06-27 — PAN 0-2 ENG (group)

View Group L →