World Cup 2026

Panama

Los Canaleros Are Back — and They're Nobody's Easy Three Points

Out at the group stageFIFA #33Group L — England · Croatia · Ghana

FutAve take

The Story

Panama return to the World Cup stage for only the second time, leaner and younger than 2018, with a tactically disciplined Thomas Christiansen side that topped CONCACAF qualifying unbeaten. Dropped into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Ghana, they arrive not as tourists but as a team built to grind.

How they qualified

Panama swept through the CONCACAF final round without a single loss, topping Group A with three wins and three draws. Victories away at Guatemala and a commanding home demolition of El Salvador underlined their grit and cohesion. The mood in the camp is quietly confident — this is a young, composed squad with a point to prove, guided by a coach experiencing his first World Cup.

Why watch

Neutrals who love an underdog with a genuine system will find Panama irresistible. Christiansen's side plays with possession discipline and lightning transitions, and their Group L slate — Ghana, Croatia, England — is appointment viewing. Every point Panama steal will feel like an event, and Los Canaleros have a habit of making those moments happen.

Squad spotlight

Players to Know

The Star

Adalberto Carrasquilla

Pumas UNAM

Adalberto Carrasquilla is a former CONCACAF Player of the Year and the creative heartbeat of Panama's midfield at Pumas UNAM.

Why they matter

Carrasquilla drives Panama's offensive transitions and is the primary link between defense and attack. His relentless engine and technical quality make him the player opponents plan around first — and the one Panama most need firing against Croatia and England.

Watch for

Watch how he exploits half-spaces in transition, arriving late into the box or threading passes through compact defensive lines. Against Croatia's experienced midfield, his ability to dictate tempo under pressure will be the tactical chess match of the group stage.

The X-Factor

Ismael Díaz

León

Ismael Díaz is Panama's most dangerous attacking weapon, arriving as the top scorer at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup with six goals.

Why they matter

In a squad that can sometimes prioritize defensive solidity, Díaz is the unpredictable element who can conjure a goal from nothing. Panama's ability to beat Ghana or steal a point off England likely runs directly through him finding space on the left.

Watch for

Track his movement off the ball — Díaz is lethal in behind high defensive lines and creates danger with pace and directness. If Panama are going to shock anyone in Group L, there's a strong chance he'll be the one pulling the trigger.

The Veteran

Aníbal Godoy

San Diego

Aníbal Godoy is Panama's longtime captain and defensive midfield anchor, a World Cup veteran now shepherding a new generation.

Why they matter

With only four survivors from 2018, Godoy's institutional knowledge is priceless. He controls tempo, shields the backline, and provides the calm authority this young squad needs when Group L's heavyweights turn up the pressure.

Watch for

Watch how Godoy positions himself when Panama lose the ball — his ability to instantly restore defensive shape is the invisible work that lets the more expressive players around him take risks. Against Modrić and England's midfield, he's the fulcrum.

The Glue Guy

Amir Murillo

Beşiktaş

Amir Murillo is Panama's most dynamic right back, playing club football at Beşiktaş and finishing as the top assist provider in qualifying.

Why they matter

Murillo's overlapping runs and delivery from wide areas give Panama an attacking dimension that most opponents won't anticipate from a fullback. His three qualifying assists show he doesn't just defend — he constructs.

Watch for

In Panama's transition play, Murillo pushes high to create overloads on the right flank. Watch him combine with the wingers to stretch defensive blocks — and see how Croatia and England's wide midfielders handle his relentless energy going forward.

The Breakout Candidate

Edgardo Fariña

FK Nizjni Novgorod

Edgardo Fariña is a rising centre back tasked with leading Panama's defensive line against some of the most fearsome attacks in the tournament.

Why they matter

With Panama leaning young at the back, Fariña is the player whose development could define their ceiling. His composure under pressure and reading of the game will be tested by England's forward line and Croatia's clinical finishing — there is no gentler introduction to the World Cup.

Watch for

Look for how Fariña handles aerial duels and one-on-one situations against physically imposing forwards. If he can hold the line in those moments, Panama's defensive shape becomes genuinely difficult to break down — and a shock result becomes plausible.

FutAve layer