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Eight years after hearing the national anthem on the biggest football stadium for the first time, Panama will have the opportunity to relive the pride of the country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After a difficult campaign, they return to the competition as the top side in Central America, ready to test themselves against some of the best nations in the world.
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In the words of head coach Thomas Christiansen, Panama are determined to go toe-to-toe with their most respected rivals and put the country on the map as a regional football powerhouse.
Here’s everything you need to know about Panama before the tournament kicks off on June 11:
How did Panama qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Panama played two matches to secure their ticket to the World Cup.
Their journey began in the second round of the CONCACAF qualifiers where they topped their group with a good record, beating Nicaragua, Guyana, Montserrat and Belize. During this run, Panama scored 10 goals and scored just one.
The next line brought more difficulties. Drawn by Suriname, Guatemala and El Salvador, Panama only had six points after four days of play but found success when it mattered most, winning 3-2 in Guatemala before a 3-0 win against El Salvador.
El Salvador’s victory on the final day of the game on November 18 moved Panama above Suriname in the standings, thus securing their place in the world’s biggest football tournament.
How did Panama perform in their previous World Cup matches?
Panama made their World Cup debut in 2018 in Russia, finishing in their group after defeats to fellow semifinalists Belgium and England as well as Tunisia.
However, their campaign is best remembered for Felipe Baloy’s historic goal against the Three Lions: Panama’s first and only World Cup goal so far.
Since then, Panama has become the top team in Central America, notable for their impressive run to the finals of the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup and 2025 Nations League.
How is Panama’s FIFA world ranking?
Panama, one of CONCACAF’s six World Cup representatives, is ranked 33rd.
Who will Panama face at the 2026 World Cup?
Panama is drawn in Group L, considered by many commentators to be the second most difficult behind Group I. They will compete to advance to the boxing-round against former champions and pretournament favorites England, the last edition of the third place Croatia and African heavyweights Ghana.
Los Canaleros, which translates to “The Canal Men” in reference to the Panama Canal, will play two team games in Canada and one in the United States.
Panama World Cup group matches:
- June 17: Ghana vs Panama – Toronto Stadium
- June 23: Panama vs Croatia – Toronto Stadium
- June 27: Panama vs England – New York / New Jersey Stadium
Who is the head coach of Panama?
Christiansen has been in charge of Panama since 2020, making him the team’s longest-serving coach. Under it, Panama reached the semifinals in the 2023 and 2024 Nations League and the finals of the 2023 Gold Cup and 2025 Nations League.
Before that, Christiansen held coaching positions around the world – from the United Arab Emirates to Cyprus – including spells with Leeds United in England’s second division and Union SG in Belgium’s second division.
After watching the World Cups from the stands, Christiansen will enter the 2026 edition as a coach for the first time.
“I have to pinch myself. It will be an amazing moment – a dream come true,” he told FIFA in an interview.
“It will be very special to hear the national anthem of Panama and the honor, as a coach, to represent the country I love so much at the highest level.”
Born in Denmark to a Spanish mother, Christiansen represented Spain in their under-21 team and a major part of his career. He also plied his trade at clubs in Denmark, Spain and Germany, including a successful Bundesliga campaign in 2002-2003.
Who are the top players in Panama?
Skilled forward Jose Fajardo and winger Puma were joint top scorers for Panama in the win with three goals apiece while striker Cecilio Waterman scored two.
The power duo of Fajardo and Waterman were instrumental as they combined for four goals in the final match while Adalberto Carrasquilla ensured Panama maintained their form in midfield.
Talented youngster Carlos Harvey has thrived under coach Christiansen while veterans Anibal Godoy and Amir Murillo have also been key to Panama’s success.
How is Panama preparing for the World Cup?
Panama played two games in late March against World Cup qualifier South Africa, drawing the first leg 1-1 in Durban before winning 2-1 in Cape Town.
They will play one of Brazil’s favorite teams in a friendly in Rio de Janeiro on May 31, almost two and a half weeks before their World Cup campaign begins.
What can we expect from Panama at the World Cup?
Christiansen described their group as “exciting”, adding that Panama will gain confidence from previous victories against big teams such as the United States as they seek to repeat this success against Ghana, Croatia and England in the tournament.
“We want our fans to be proud of the team. Scoring a consolation goal should no longer be a reason for Panamanians to be happy,” he said.
“It’s time to play our game.”
You can follow Al Jazeera’s dedicated content FIFA World Cup 2026 a site with the latest news, fixtures and current commentary and keep up to date with team standings and real-time match results and fixtures.
