Eight years after their unforgettable World Cup debut in Russia, Panama returns determined to prove it belongs on football’s biggest stage.
🇵🇦 PANAMA
The Canaleros are back to chase a new World Cup dream
🏆 World Cup Snapshot
- Confederation: CONCACAF
- Best World Cup Finish: Group Stage (2018)
- Last Appearance: Russia 2018
- First Appearance: Russia 2018
- Total Appearances: 2
- World Cup Record: 0 Wins — 0 Draws — 3 Losses
👔 Head Coach
Thomas Christiansen has transformed Panama into one of CONCACAF’s most organized and competitive national teams. Appointed in 2020, the former Leeds and Union SG coach survived early criticism after missing qualification for Qatar 2022 and was rewarded for the federation’s patience.
Under Christiansen, Panama reached multiple CONCACAF Nations League semifinals and finals while developing a balanced squad that blends experienced veterans with emerging talent such as Carlos Harvey and Adalberto Carrasquilla.
⭐ Star Players
- Adalberto Carrasquilla — Panama’s creative engine and midfield leader.
- Aníbal Godoy — Veteran presence who provides balance and leadership.
- Cecilio Waterman — Experienced attacking option with international pedigree.
- Carlos Harvey — One of the emerging young talents of the squad.
📅 Group Stage Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 17 | Ghana vs Panama | Toronto Stadium |
| June 23 | Panama vs Croatia | Toronto Stadium |
| June 27 | Panama vs England | New York New Jersey Stadium |
🔥 Why Panama Can Surprise
Panama may not have the individual stars of Europe’s elite nations, but the Canaleros are disciplined, physically strong and extremely well organized. Christiansen has built a team capable of frustrating stronger opponents and competing in tight matches.
Their recent rise in CONCACAF competition has given the squad confidence and experience against high-level opposition, including the United States, Mexico and Canada.
📖 World Cup Legacy
Panama made history by qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the nation’s first-ever appearance at the tournament. Drawn into a difficult group with Belgium, England and Tunisia, the Canaleros failed to advance but created unforgettable memories.
Their defining World Cup moment came against England, when Felipe Baloy scored Panama’s first-ever World Cup goal in a 6-1 defeat. The celebration became an iconic moment in Panamanian football history.
📊 Qualification Path
Panama qualified by finishing first in CONCACAF Group A during the third qualifying round. After a dominant second-round campaign, the Canaleros faced a tougher challenge against Suriname, Guatemala and El Salvador.
A dramatic late equalizer against Suriname proved crucial before Panama closed qualifying strongly to secure first place and return to the World Cup after missing Qatar 2022.
👀 One Thing to Watch
Can Panama turn experience into points this time? Unlike 2018, this squad arrives with more international maturity and tactical stability. If Carrasquilla controls midfield and the defense stays compact, Panama could challenge for a historic first World Cup victory.
PANAMA
Goalkeepers
#1 Luis Mejía (Club Nacional, Uruguay) – 193 cm
#12 César Samudio (CD Marathón, Honduras) – 189 cm
#22 Orlando Mosquera (Al Fayha FC, Saudi Arabia) – 191 cm
Defenders
#2 César Blackman (ŠK Slovan Bratislava, Slovakia) – 174 cm
#3 José Córdoba (Norwich City FC, England) – 189 cm
#4 Fidel Escobar (Deportivo Saprissa, Costa Rica) – 184 cm
#5 Edgardo Fariña (FC Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia) – 195 cm
#13 Jiovany Ramos (Puerto Cabello FC, Venezuela) – 188 cm
#15 Éric Davis (CD Plaza Amador, Panama) – 180 cm
#16 Andrés Andrade (LASK Linz, Austria) – 187 cm
#23 Amir Murillo (Beşiktaş JK, Türkiye) – 185 cm
#25 Roderick Miller (Turan Tovuz, Azerbaijan) – 190 cm
#26 Jorge Gutiérrez (Deportivo La Guaira, Venezuela) – 171 cm
Midfielders
#6 Cristian Martínez (Hapoel Kiryat Shmona FC, Israel) – 170 cm
#7 José Luis Rodríguez (FC Juárez, Mexico) – 180 cm
#8 Adalberto Carrasquilla (Pumas UNAM, Mexico) – 171 cm
#11 Yoel Bárcenas (Mazatlán FC, Mexico) – 175 cm
#14 Carlos Harvey (Minnesota United FC, United States) – 184 cm
#19 Alberto Quintero (CD Plaza Amador, Panama) – 165 cm
#20 Aníbal Godoy (San Diego FC, United States) – 184 cm
#21 César Yanis (CD Cobresal, Chile) – 160 cm
#24 Azarías Londoño (CD Universidad Católica, Ecuador) – 185 cm
Forwards
#9 Tomás Rodríguez (Deportivo Saprissa, Costa Rica) – 183 cm
#10 Ismael Díaz (Club León, Mexico) – 184 cm
#17 José Fajardo (CD Universidad Católica, Ecuador) – 184 cm
#18 Cecilio Waterman (CD Universidad de Concepción, Chile) – 180 cm
Head Coach
Thomas Christiansen (Spain)
