Panama arrive at their second FIFA World Cup this summer, eight years after a chastening debut at Russia 2018.
Los Canaleros finished bottom of their group on that occasion. Defeats to England, Belgium and Tunisia ensured a swift exit. Thomas Christiansen’s side return determined to register a first-ever World Cup victory. Christiansen named his 26-man squad on 26 May at the CAR Pandeportes in Panama City. The selection blends seven 2018 veterans with the next generation of Panamanian football.
Panama: 2026 World Cup Squad, Fixtures and Schedule
Captain Aníbal Godoy leads from defensive midfield as the country’s record cap-holder. The 36-year-old San Diego FC anchorman has 157 international appearances to his name. Pumas UNAM playmaker Adalberto Carrasquilla, 27, remains the creative engine despite an injury concern.
The midfielder suffered a groin issue in the Liga MX final shortly before the squad announcement. Christiansen included him anyway, with his fitness for the opener crucial to Panama’s plans. Norwich City defender José Córdoba and Beşiktaş full-back Amir Murillo bring genuine European experience.
León striker Ismael Díaz leads the line after a productive qualifying campaign. Veteran goalkeeper Luis Mejía starts in goal, providing calm at the back. Fidel Escobar, who featured at Russia 2018, anchors a defence comfortable in a low block. Victory over El Salvador in CONCACAF qualifying sealed Panama’s World Cup place.
Group L pits Los Canaleros against Ghana, Croatia and England. The opener against Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana in Toronto looks the squad’s most realistic chance of points. Thomas Tuchel’s England close the campaign in East Rutherford on 27 June.
Panama 2026 World Cup fixtures
- Thursday, June 18th – Panama vs Ghana – Toronto, Canada
- Wednesday, June 24th – Panama vs Croatia – Toronto, Canada
- Saturday, June 27th – Panama vs England – East Rutherford, USA
What time do Panama’s World Cup games kick off?
All kick-off times are BST.
- Panama vs Ghana, 12am
- Panama vs Croatia, 12am
- Panama vs England, 10pm
Panama 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Luis Mejía (Club Nacional), Orlando Mosquera (Al-Fayha), César Samudio (CD Marathón)
Defenders: Eric Davis (CD Plaza Amador), Fidel Escobar (Saprissa), Michael Amir Murillo (Beşiktaş), Roderick Miller (Turan Tovuz), Andrés Andrade (LASK Linz), César Blackman (Slovan Bratislava), José Córdoba (Norwich City), Jiovany Ramos (Academia Puerto Cabello), Jorge Gutiérrez (Deportivo La Guaira), Edgardo Fariña (Pari Nizhny Novgorod)
Midfielders: Aníbal Godoy (San Diego FC), Alberto Quintero (CD Plaza Amador), Yoel Bárcenas (Mazatlán FC), Adalberto Carrasquilla (Pumas UNAM), José Luis Rodríguez (Juárez), Cristian Martínez (Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona), César Yanis (Cobresal), Carlos Harvey (Minnesota United), Azarías Londoño (Universidad Católica de Chile)
Forwards: José Fajardo (Universidad Católica), Ismael Díaz (Club León), Cecilio Waterman (Universidad de Concepción), Tomás Rodríguez (Saprissa)
Read more – Ghana: 2026 World Cup Squad, Fixtures and Schedule
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