Eight years after first hearing the national anthem on soccer’s biggest stage, Panama will have the opportunity to relive that surge of national pride at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After overcoming a difficult qualifying campaign, they return to the tournament as Central America’s highest-ranked team and are ready to take on the best countries in the world.
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Head coach Thomas Christiansen says Panama is determined to go head-to-head against more prominent opponents and put the country firmly on the map as a regional soccer power.
Here’s what you need to know about Panama before the tournament kickoff on June 11th.
How did Panama qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Panama went through two rounds of qualifying to earn a ticket to the World Cup.
Their journey began in the second round of CONCACAF qualifying, where they defeated Nicaragua, Guyana, Montserrat and Belize to top their group with a perfect record. During this match, Panama scored 10 goals and conceded just one.
The next round posed an even bigger challenge. Drawn alongside Suriname, Guatemala and El Salvador, Panama had just six points after four game days, but they improved when it mattered most, winning 3-2 in Guatemala and 3-0 against El Salvador.
With a win over El Salvador in the final match on November 18, Panama moved ahead of Suriname in the standings and secured a spot in the world’s biggest soccer tournament.
How did Panama perform in their last World Cup appearance?
Panama made their first World Cup appearance at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but finished last in their group, losing to eventual semi-finalists Belgium, England, and Tunisia.
However, their campaign is best remembered for Felipe Baloy’s historic goal against the Three Lions. This was Panama’s first and so far only goal at the World Cup.
Since then, Panama has emerged as the top-ranked team in Central America with an impressive run to the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final and 2025 Nations League Final.
What is Panama’s FIFA world ranking?
Panama, one of six CONCACAF teams participating in the World Cup, is ranked 33rd.
Who will Panama face in the 2026 World Cup?
Panama will be in Group L, considered by many commentators to be the second most difficult after Group I. Aiming to advance to the final round, they will face former champions and pre-tournament favorites England, Croatia, who placed third in the previous tournament, and African powerhouse Ghana.
Los Canaleros, which translates as “The Canal Men” after the Panama Canal, will play two of their group games in Canada and one in the United States.
Panama World Cup group stage 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 Panama’s head coach?
Christiansen has been managing the Panama national team since 2020, making him the longest-serving manager of the national team. Under his leadership, Panama reached the semi-finals of the 2023 and 2024 Nations League, and reached the finals of the 2023 Gold Cup and 2025 Nations League.
Prior to this role, Christiansen held coaching positions around the world from the United Arab Emirates to Cyprus, including stints at Leeds United in the English second division and Union SG in the Belgian second division.
Christiansen, who watched the World Cup from the stands, will be attending the 2026 tournament for the first time as a coach.
“You might have to pinch yourself. It will be an incredible moment. It will be a dream come true,” he said in an interview with FIFA.
“Hearing the Panamanian national anthem is truly special and it is an honor as a coach to represent the country I love so dearly at the highest level.”
Born in Denmark to a Spanish mother, Christiansen played for Spain’s under-21s and first team during his playing days. He also played for clubs in Denmark, Spain and Germany, and was the top scorer in the Bundesliga from 2002 to 2003.
Who are Panama’s top players?
Experienced forward Jose Fajardo and winger Puma were Panama’s top scorers with three goals each in the qualifying stage, while striker Cecilio Waterman scored two goals.
The dynamic duo of Fajardo and Waterman combined for four goals in the final qualifying round, making a particular impact as Adalberto Carrasquilla continued his form in the center of Panama’s midfield.
Talented youngster Carlos Harvey has flourished under Christiansen’s regime, while veterans Anibal Godoy and Amir Murillo will also be key to Panama’s success.
How is Panama preparing for the World Cup?
In late March, Panama played two friendlies against World Cup-bound South Africa, drawing the first leg 1-1 in Durban and then winning 2-1 in Cape Town.
They will face pre-tournament favorites Brazil in a friendly in Rio de Janeiro on May 31, about two and a half weeks before the start of the World Cup.
What can we expect from Panama at the World Cup?
Christiansen described their group as “interesting”, adding that Panama drew confidence from past wins against big-name teams like the United States and aims to repeat their successes against Ghana, Croatia and England in the tournament.
“We want our fans to be proud of their team. Scoring a repechage goal should no longer be a reason for Panamanians to celebrate,” he said.
“It’s time for us to step up our game.”
Al Jazeera’s dedicated FIFA World Cup 2026 page allows you to track the match with all the latest news, match progress and live text commentary, and stay up to date with group standings and real-time results and schedules.
