Panama will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking only the second time the national team has qualified for the global tournament. Their previous appearance was in 2018 in Russia, where they finished last in Group G after defeats to Belgium, England, and Tunisia. That campaign, however, is remembered for Felipe Baloy’s historic goal against England—still Panama’s only World Cup goal to date.
In CONCACAF qualifying for 2026, Panama started in the second round with a perfect record against Nicaragua, Guyana, Montserrat, and Belize, scoring 10 goals and conceding just once. In the final round, they were grouped with Suriname, Guatemala, and El Salvador. After picking up only six points from the first four matches, Panama won 3-2 away to Guatemala and then beat El Salvador 3-0 on November 18, 2025, overtaking Suriname in the standings to secure their place at the World Cup.
At the 2026 World Cup, Panama has been drawn into Group L, considered one of the toughest groups. Their opponents include England (former champions and strong contenders), Croatia (third-place finishers in the previous edition), and Ghana (a formidable African representative).
- June 17: Ghana vs Panama – Toronto Stadium (Canada)
- June 23: Panama vs Croatia – Toronto Stadium
- June 27: Panama vs England – New York/New Jersey Stadium (USA)
Head coach Thomas Christiansen has been in charge since 2020, making him the longest-serving manager in Panama’s history. Under his leadership, Panama reached the Nations League semi-finals in 2023 and 2024, and the Gold Cup final in 2023 and Nations League final in 2025. As a player, Christiansen (of Danish and Spanish descent) was the Bundesliga top scorer in the 2002-2003 season. This will be his first time managing a team at a World Cup.
Key players for Panama include veteran striker Jose Fajardo and midfielder Puma, who each scored three goals in qualifying, along with Cecilio Waterman (two goals). Fajardo and Waterman combined for four goals in the final qualifying round. Midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla orchestrates play in the center, while Carlos Harvey is a rising talent; veterans Anibal Godoy and Amir Murillo also play crucial roles.
In preparation for the World Cup, Panama played two friendlies against South Africa (also a World Cup team) in late March 2026, drawing 1-1 and winning 2-1. They will face Brazil at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro on May 31 before the tournament begins.
Christiansen stated: “We want the fans to be proud of the team. Scoring a consolation goal is no longer a reason for Panamanians to celebrate. It’s time for us to raise our game.” Panama is currently ranked 33rd in the world, the highest-ranked Central American team at the 2026 World Cup.
