Thomas Christiansen

Thomas Christiansen, a Danish-Spanish former striker who played for clubs including Villarreal and PAOK, took charge of Panama in 2022. He organises the team in a compact 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 mid-block, prioritising defensive solidity and quick vertical transitions over elaborate build-up. He previously managed PAOK, Leeds United, and the Philippines national team. Under his guidance Panama qualified for their second-ever World Cup, navigating a competitive CONCACAF hexagonal to secure their place in 2026.

Thomas Christiansen typically deploys a 4-3-3 that compresses into a 4-4-2 mid-block without the ball. Aníbal Godoy anchors the midfield base, shielding the back four, while Adalberto Carrasquilla operates as the creative link between lines. Full-backs Amir Murillo and César Blackman push forward selectively. Panama look to win the ball in midfield and transition quickly to José Fajardo and the wide forwards rather than sustaining prolonged possession.