PAN
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 · GROUP L · POT 4

Panama
World Cup 26-man squad

Manager Thomas Christiansen · Spanish (Danish-born) head coach since 2020. A former striker with 130 La Liga/Bundesliga goals — managed Leeds and APOEL. Engineered Panama's second-ever World Cup qualification.
MD1 Jun 17 vs Ghana MD2 Jun 23 vs Croatia MD3 Jun 27 vs England
1th World Cup appearance · best finish: Group stage (2018)
26
Squad size
30.0
Avg. age
24 / 26
Overseas-based
7 / 19
WC veterans / Debutants
TEAM STORY

Thomas Christiansen's (Spanish) Panama announced their final 26 on May 26. This is Panama's first World Cup in 8 years (since Russia 2018) — second-ever. 35-year-old captain Aníbal Godoy (San Diego FC, all-time caps leader with 159) leads the squad.

Backbone: Godoy + José Córdoba (Norwich City, 25-year-old young defensive core) + Michael Amir Murillo (Beşiktaş) + Eric Davis (104 caps). Liga MX-heavy with MLS, lower-tier European and CONCACAF experience blended.

Group L opponents: Ghana, Croatia, England. June 17 vs Ghana → June 23 vs Croatia → June 27 vs England. Bettering Russia 2018 (three losses) and recording a first-ever World Cup win is the realistic target.

PREDICTED XI

LIKELY 4-2-3-1.

Thomas Christiansen's preferred 4-2-3-1. Fajardo or Ismael Díaz at No.9, with Bárcenas as the No.10 and Quintero/Rodríguez on the wings. Captain Godoy + Carrasquilla form an experienced pivot, with Córdoba (Norwich) and Escobar at CB.

4-2-3-1 (predicted)
KEY PLAYERS

KEY PLAYERS.

The five players who set the tone in the group stage — by role and trait.

—
CDM · MF
Aníbal Godoy
San Diego FC · 36
159 caps · 4G WC: 2018
Captain & all-time caps leader (159)
CAPTAIN
—
CB · DF
José Córdoba
Norwich City · 25
30 caps · 1G WC debut
Defensive core (Norwich City)
ACE
—
RB · DF
Michael Amir Murillo
Beşiktaş · 30
91 caps · 9G WC: 2018
Right-back (Beşiktaş)
—
RW · MF
Alberto Quintero
Plaza Amador · 38 · Eredivisie
140 caps · 7G WC debut
38yo legendary winger
—
ST · FW
Ismael Díaz
León · 29
54 caps · 17G WC: 2018
Goalscoring No.9
SQUAD

SQUAD 26.

GK GOALKEEPERS 3
DF DEFENDERS 10
MF MIDFIELDERS 9
FW FORWARDS 4
GROUP L

GROUP L.

ENG
England
POT 1
CRO
Croatia
POT 2
GHA
Ghana
POT 3
PAN
Panama
POT 4
Wed, Jun 17
Ghana vs Panama
Toronto Stadium · Toronto
Panama's second-ever World Cup opener (after Russia 2018). Vs Ghana led by Kudus — Godoy and Carrasquilla seek a point through midfield control.
View lineups →
MD1
Tue, Jun 23
Croatia vs Panama
Toronto Stadium · Toronto
Toronto clash vs Pot 2 Croatia. Containing 40-year-old Modrić's creativity tests the Córdoba/Escobar pairing's focus.
View lineups →
MD2
Sat, Jun 27
England vs Panama
New York New Jersey Stadium · East Rutherford, NJ
Group decider vs Pot 1 England at New York New Jersey Stadium. Facing Bellingham and Kane — Panama wants revenge for the 1-6 Russia 2018 defeat.
View lineups →
MD3

Road to the final

Spoiler-free: the potential bracket route by final group position. No results shown.

Win Group L
  1. Round of 32 Jul 01 · Atlanta vs 3rd place (E/H/I/J/K)
  2. Round of 16 Jul 05 · Mexico City vs Winner of Match 79
  3. Quarter-finals Jul 11 · Miami Gardens vs Winner of Match 91
  4. Semi-finals Jul 15 · Atlanta vs Winner of Match 100
  5. Final Jul 19 · East Rutherford vs Winner of Match 101
Runners-up, Group L
  1. Round of 32 Jul 02 · Toronto vs Runners-up Group K
  2. Round of 16 Jul 06 · Arlington vs Winner of Match 84
  3. Quarter-finals Jul 10 · Inglewood vs Winner of Match 94
  4. Semi-finals Jul 14 · Arlington vs Winner of Match 97
  5. Final Jul 19 · East Rutherford vs Winner of Match 102
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