Eight years after hearing the national anthem for the first time on football’s grandest stage, Panama will have a chance to reignite its national pride at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After a tough qualifying campaign, they return to the tournament as Central America’s highest-ranked team, ready to test themselves against the world’s best.
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According to coach Thomas Christiansen, Panama are determined to go toe-to-toe with their more famous opponents and put the country firmly on the map as a regional football powerhouse.
Here’s everything you need to know about Panama before the tournament begins on June 11.
How did Panama qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Panama advanced through two qualifying rounds to secure qualification for the World Cup.
Their journey began in the second round of the CONCACAF qualifiers, beating Nicaragua, Guyana, Montserrat and Belize to top their group with a perfect record. During this period, Panama scored 10 goals and conceded only 1 goal.
The next round presented a bigger challenge. Draws with Suriname, Guatemala and El Salvador left Panama with just six points after four days of play, but they made progress when it mattered most. They won 3-2 in Guatemala and won 3-0 against El Salvador.
Panama defeated El Salvador in the final on November 18, moving ahead of Suriname in the rankings and securing a spot in the world’s biggest soccer tournament.
How did Panama fare in their previous World Cup appearances?
Panama made their World Cup debut at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, finishing bottom of their group after losing to eventual semi-finalists Belgium, England and Tunisia.
However, their campaign was best remembered for Felipe Baloy’s historic goal against the Three Lions. It was Panama’s first and so far only World Cup goal.
Since then, Panama has emerged as the best team in Central America, achieving impressive results in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup final and the 2025 Nations League final.
What is Panama’s FIFA World Ranking?
Panama, one of the six countries representing the CONCACAF World Cup, ranks 33rd.
Who will Panama face at the 2026 World Cup?
Panama was placed in Group L, considered by many commentators to be the second most difficult group after Group I. They will compete for a place in the knockout stages against former champions and pre-tournament favorites England, Croatia, who finished third in the last edition, and African heavyweights Ghana.
Los Canaleros, which translates to “the canal men” in reference to the Panama Canal, will play two of their group stage matches in Canada and one in the United States.
Panama World Cup group stage matches:
- June 17: Ghana vs Panama – Toronto Stadium
- June 23rd: Panama vs Croatia – Toronto Stadium
- June 27: Panama vs England – New York/New Jersey Stadium
Who is the manager of Panama?
Christiansen has been in charge of Panama since 2020, becoming the national team’s longest-serving coach. Under his leadership, Panama advanced to the 2023 and 2024 Nations League semifinals, the 2023 Gold Cup and the 2025 Nations League finals.
Prior to this role, Christiansen held coaching positions around the world, from the United Arab Emirates to Cyprus, including with Leeds United in the English second tier and Union SG in the Belgian second tier.
Christiansen, who watched the World Cup from the stands, plans to step foot in the 2026 World Cup as a coach for the first time.
“I might have to pinch myself. It will be an incredible moment, a dream come true,” he told FIFA.
“Hearing Panama’s national anthem will be truly special, and as a coach I’m honored to represent the country I love so much at the highest level.”
Born in Denmark to a Spanish mother, Christiansen represented Spain for the senior and under-21 national teams during his career. He also played for clubs in Denmark, Spain and Germany, including his highest scoring campaign in the Bundesliga in 2002-2003.
Who is Panama’s best player?
Experienced forward Jose Fajardo and winger Puma were Panama’s joint top scorers in the qualifying stages with three goals each, while striker Cecilio Waterman scored twice.
The dynamic duo of Fajardo and Waterman were particularly impressive, combining for four goals in the final qualifiers, while Adalberto Carrasquilla ensured Panama maintained their form in central midfield.
Talented youngster Carlos Harvey has developed under Christiansen, while veterans Anibal Godoy and Amir Murillo are also key to Panama’s success.
How is Panama preparing for the World Cup?
Panama played two friendly matches with South Africa ahead of the World Cup at the end of March, drawing the first match 1-1 in Durban and winning 2-1 in Cape Town.
They are scheduled to play Brazil, one of the pre-tournament favorites, in a friendly in Rio de Janeiro on May 31, about two and a half weeks before the 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 past wins against high-profile teams such as the United States as they aim to replicate that success against Ghana, Croatia and England in the tournament.
“We want our fans to feel proud of their team. Scoring a consolation goal should no longer be a reason for Panamanians to celebrate,” he said.
“It’s time to step up our game.”
On Al Jazeera’s dedicated 2026 FIFA World Cup page you can find all the latest news, fixtures and live text commentary, as well as keep up to date with group standings, live match results and fixtures.
