CONCACAF · Group L
Panama at FIFA World Cup 2026
Panama qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group L opponents
Panama plays the following three teams in the group stage. Top 2 advance to the Round of 32; the 3rd-placed team can still advance via the best-3rd-placed playoff route (8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify).
Panama fixtures
Panama in the tournament
Panama arrives at the 2026 World Cup ranked #32 in the FIFA World Ranking with a tournament strength rating of 63/100. CONCACAF (North, Central America, and Caribbean) sends 6 teams, including the three co-hosts who qualify automatically.
The 48-team format puts Panama in Group L with England, Croatia, Ghana. On FIFA ranking alone, the group averages #30, with Panama in the middle of the pack. Top 2 advance automatically; the best 3rd-placed teams (8 of 12) also qualify for the Round of 32.
Panama squad for World Cup 2026
Announced May 29, 2026 · 26 players · Head coach: Thomas Christiansen
Panama's second World Cup, eight years after their 2018 debut. Captain Anibal Godoy now at San Diego FC in MLS; Michael Amir Murillo (Beşiktaş) anchors the defense. Coach Thomas Christiansen -- Spanish-born former Denmark forward -- has stabilized the team since 2020.
Goalkeepers3
- Luis Mejia(Nacional)
- Orlando Mosquera(Al-Fayha)
- Cesar Samudio(Marathon)
Defenders10
- Eric Davis(Plaza Amador)
- Fidel Escobar(Saprissa)
- Michael Amir Murillo(Beşiktaş)
- Roderick Miller(Turan Tovuz)
- Andres Andrade(LASK)
- Cesar Blackman(Slovan Bratislava)
- Jose Cordoba(Norwich City)
- Jiovany Ramos(Puerto Cabello)
- Jorge Gutierrez(Deportivo La Guaira)
- Edgardo Farina(Pari Nizhny Novgorod)
Midfielders9
- Anibal GodoyCaptain(San Diego FC)
- Alberto Quintero(Plaza Amador)
- Yoel Barcenas(Mazatlan)
- Adalberto Carrasquilla(UNAM)
- Jose Luis Rodriguez(Juarez)
- Cristian Martinez(Ironi Kiryat Shmona)
- Cesar Yanis(Cobresal)
- Carlos Harvey(Minnesota United FC)
- Azarias Londono(Universidad Catolica)
Forwards4
- Jose Fajardo(Universidad Catolica)
- Ismael Diaz(Leon)
- Cecilio Waterman(Universidad de Concepcion)
- Tomas Rodriguez(Saprissa)
Sources: Sky Sports. Squads may change due to injury or disciplinary action before the tournament.
Frequently asked questions about Panama
When does Panama play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Panama plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 17, 2026. The opener is against GHA. See the full fixtures list below for every kickoff time and venue.
What group is Panama in at the World Cup 2026?
Panama is in Group L alongside England, Croatia, Ghana. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams across all 12 groups.
What is Panama's FIFA ranking?
Panama entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 ranked #32 in the FIFA World Ranking. This places them in the top 50 globally. Rankings update through the qualification cycle.
Can Panama win the World Cup 2026?
Panama's pre-tournament strength rating is 63/100, derived from FIFA ranking, recent form, and squad depth. They are tournament debutants or lower-ranked qualifiers; reaching the second round would be a notable achievement. Try them in the bracket predictor to test your scenario.