Panama at the World Cup 2026
Panama arrive at the 2026 World Cup for their second-ever appearance after Russia 2018 (where they lost all three group games). Thomas Christiansen, the Danish-Spanish head coach appointed in 2020, has now overseen back-to-back qualifying near-misses (failure to qualify for 2022) and the successful 2026 campaign.
The squad's defining player is Adalberto 'Coco' Carrasquilla (Pumas UNAM) — the right-of-front-two attacking midfielder. Aníbal Godoy and Eduardo Bedia anchor the central midfield. José Fajardo and Cecilio Waterman lead the attacking line. Goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera (Cruz Azul) is the first-choice.
Group L contains England, Croatia and Ghana. Panama are competing with Ghana for third place behind heavy favourites England and Croatia. Outright tournament price 501.0.
Outright odds — Panama to win World Cup 2026
Group L fixtures
All three group-stage matches for Panama at World Cup 2026 with current odds from our partner books.
Squad & predicted XI
Mosquera · Murillo, F. Córdoba, Galíndez, Davis · Yoel Bárcenas, Gondola, Cox, Welch · Fajardo, Carrasquilla
Formation: 4-4-2 · Coach: Thomas Christiansen
| Player | Position | Club | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando Mosquera | GK | Cruz Azul | 30 | 0 |
| Yoel Bárcenas | MF | Real Oviedo | 80 | 12 |
| Michael Murillo | DF | West Ham | 70 | 4 |
| Fidel Escobar | DF | Vaduz | 65 | 3 |
| Aníbal Godoy | MF | Toronto FC | 100 | 4 |
| Adalberto Carrasquilla (c) | MF | Pumas UNAM | 60 | 6 |
| Edgar Bárcenas | MF | Pachuca | 50 | 4 |
| Ismael Díaz | FW | León | 45 | 13 |
| Cecilio Waterman | FW | Coquimbo Unido | 35 | 9 |
| José Fajardo | FW | AVS | 30 | 8 |
How Panama qualified for World Cup 2026
Panama qualified through the CONCACAF third round, finishing first in their three-team group ahead of El Salvador and Guatemala. The qualification-sealing match was a 1-0 home win over El Salvador in November 2025; Carrasquilla scored the winner from a free kick.
Fajardo finished as the squad's leading qualifying scorer with 4 goals. Carrasquilla added 3. The Christiansen 4-4-2 system delivered tournament-tight defensive structure — only 5 goals conceded across 6 matches.
World Cup history
Panama have appeared at one previous World Cup — Russia 2018. They lost all three group games (3-0 to Belgium, 6-1 to England, 2-1 to Tunisia) but did score their first-ever World Cup goal through Felipe Baloy against England. The 2026 tournament is their second appearance and the chance to claim a first World Cup point or win.
| Year | Host | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Russia | Group stage |
| Player | Position | Club | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Tejada | FW | retired | 108 | 43 |
| Roberto Brown | FW | retired | 60 | 21 |
| Blas Pérez | FW | retired | 115 | 43 |
| Rolando Blackburn | FW | retired | 60 | 22 |
| Ismael Díaz | FW | León | 45 | 13 |
| Yoel Bárcenas | MF | Real Oviedo | 80 | 12 |
FAQ
Who is Panama's coach at World Cup 2026?
Thomas Christiansen, the Danish-Spanish head coach since 2020. He previously managed Leeds United and APOEL Nicosia at club level.
Has Panama ever won a World Cup match?
No. Panama's only previous World Cup appearance (Russia 2018) ended with three defeats. The most-celebrated moment was Felipe Baloy's goal against England in the 6-1 loss — Panama's first-ever World Cup goal.
Who is Panama's all-time top scorer?
Luis Tejada and Blas Pérez tied on 43 goals each. Both retired in the late 2010s. The active top scorer is Ismael Díaz (León, 13 goals).
How did Panama qualify for World Cup 2026?
Through CONCACAF third round, finishing first in their three-team group ahead of El Salvador and Guatemala. The qualification-sealing match was a 1-0 home win over El Salvador in November 2025.
What group is Panama in at World Cup 2026?
Group L alongside England, Croatia and Ghana. England favourites at 1.50; Croatia second; Ghana and Panama compete for third. Panama open against Ghana on 14 June and face Croatia on 23 June.