Panama
About Panama

Panama made their historic World Cup debut at Russia 2018, becoming the first Panamanian side to appear at the tournament. They lost all three group games — to Belgium, England, and Tunisia — but Román Torres scored their first-ever World Cup goal against England, a moment of enormous national pride. The team was built around the golden generation that also reached the 2015 Gold Cup final. The 2026 tournament on home soil in the United States represents only their second World Cup appearance and a chance to finally win a group-stage match.
Panama are out of the World Cup
Panama did not advance from the group stage, so there is no knockout path to project.
Players to watch
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.
The engine of Panama's midfield runs through Aníbal Godoy, a combative defensive midfielder whose reading of the game and relentless pressing have made him the team's metronome for over a decade. Adalberto Carrasquilla operates ahead of him, a technically gifted playmaker who dictates tempo from central areas and is the most creative presence in the squad. Up front, José Fajardo provides the cutting edge — a direct, mobile forward whose movement stretches defences and creates space for runners.
Aníbal Godoy's experience and combativeness gives Panama a reliable defensive midfield anchor who rarely loses duels. Adalberto Carrasquilla's technical quality at Pumas UNAM means Panama can actually play through pressure rather than simply defending it. Amir Murillo's athleticism at Beşiktaş adds genuine width and crossing threat from right-back.
The squad is heavily reliant on players from lower-profile leagues in Latin America and Central America, raising questions about the quality ceiling against elite opposition. José Fajardo and Cecilio Waterman have yet to prove themselves consistently at the highest international level, leaving Panama's attacking output fragile if Carrasquilla is nullified.
The lines
José Fajardo leads the line with direct running and intelligent movement, while Ismael Díaz at León and Cecilio Waterman provide width and pace. Yoel Bárcenas can also contribute from wide midfield. Panama's attack depends on quick transitions rather than sustained creative pressure.
Aníbal Godoy is the defensive anchor, breaking up play and recycling possession. Adalberto Carrasquilla is the creative hub, linking defence to attack with technical precision. Carlos Harvey at Minnesota United and Cristian Martínez provide industry and cover, giving Christiansen options to adjust the midfield's balance.
Amir Murillo at Beşiktaş is the most experienced and dynamic defensive presence, while César Blackman at Slovan Bratislava provides solidity on the left. Fidel Escobar and José Córdoba, who plays for Norwich City in the Championship, offer depth. The back four is organised but can be exposed by pace in behind.
Orlando Mosquera, playing club football for Al Fayha in Saudi Arabia, is the expected first choice. He is an experienced presence who has been part of the Panama setup for several years, though the position lacks the elite-level club competition that would inspire full confidence.
Squad
Fixtures & results
Frequently asked questions
What group is Panama in at the 2026 World Cup?
Panama are in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Who is Panama's manager?
Panama are managed by Thomas Christiansen.
Who are Panama's players to watch?
Key players to watch for Panama include Adalberto Carrasquilla, José Fajardo, Aníbal Godoy.
See the full World Cup 2026 title odds and predicted bracket.
Adalberto Carrasquilla
José Fajardo
Aníbal Godoy