Panama gearing up for second World Cup appearance this summer,after tough debut in 2018. That year in Russia,Los Canaleros ended last in their group,losing to England, Belgium, and Tunisia. Now,they want first World Cup win.
Coach Thomas Christiansen named his 26-man squad on May 26 at CAR Pandeportes in Panama City. Seven veterans from 2018 mix with fresh talent,showing blend of experience and youth.
Captain Aníbal Godoy,a defensive midfielder,leads team. He’s Panama’s record cap-holder with 157 appearances. At 36,still crucial for San Diego FC. Another key player,Adalberto Carrasquilla,27-year-old playmaker from Pumas UNAM,recovering from groin injury. His fitness critical for Panama's hopes .
Defensively,they have José Córdoba from Norwich City and Michael Amir Murillo of Beşiktaş. Both bring European experience. Up front,Ismael Díaz,striker for Club León,expected to lead attack. Veteran goalkeeper Luis Mejía provides stability,backed by Fidel Escobar,2018 World Cup veteran.
Panama clinched World Cup spot by beating El Salvador in CONCACAF qualifiers. In Group L,they face Ghana,Croatia,and England. Opening match against Ghana in Toronto seen as best shot at points.
Panama's 2026 World Cup Fixtures
- Thursday, June 18: Panama vs Ghana – Toronto,Canada
- Wednesday, June 24: Panama vs Croatia – Toronto,Canada
- Saturday,June 27: Panama vs England – East Rutherford, USA
Kick-off times for Panama's matches are as follows (in BST):
- Panama vs Ghana: 12 AM
- Panama vs Croatia: 12 AM
- Panama vs England: 10 PM
The squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Luis Mejía (Club Nacional),Orlando Mosquera (Al-Fayha),César Samudio (CD Marathón)
Defenders: Eric Davis (CD Plaza Amador),Fidel Escobar (Saprissa),Michael Amir Murillo (Beşiktaş),Roderick Miller (Turan Tovuz),Andrés Andrade (LASK Linz),César Blackman (Slovan Bratislava),José Córdoba (Norwich City),Jiovany Ramos (Academia Puerto Cabello),Jorge Gutiérrez (Deportivo La Guaira),Edgardo Fariña (Pari Nizhny Novgorod)
Midfielders: Aníbal Godoy (San Diego FC),Alberto Quintero (CD Plaza Amador),Yoel Bárcenas (Mazatlán FC),Adalberto Carrasquilla (Pumas UNAM),José Luis Rodríguez (Juárez),Cristian Martínez (Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona),César Yanis (Cobresal),Carlos Harvey (Minnesota United),Azarías Londoño (Universidad Católica de Chile)
Forwards: José Fajardo (Universidad Católica),Ismael Díaz (Club León),Cecilio Waterman (Universidad de Concepción),Tomás Rodríguez (Saprissa)
