PANAMA

Panama is a two-time World Cup participant (2018, 2026), the second-ever Central American country at the World Cup. At the 2026 World Cup, Panama plays in Group L against England, Ghana, and Croatia. Head coach Thomas Christiansen is a Spaniard of Danish descent. The leaders: Adalberto Carrasquilla, Aníbal Godoy, Eric Davis, José Fajardo.

In 2018 in Russia, Panama debuted at the World Cup — a group with England, Belgium, and Tunisia. The first match against Belgium ended 0:3; the second was a 1:6 loss to England (the worst defeat in Panamanian football history, Harry Kane's hat-trick); the third was 1:2 to Tunisia. Felix Rodríguez scored the country's first World Cup goal against England — a moment that became part of national history. The team left the tournament winless but with a proud "one goal."

Qualifying was dramatic through CONCACAF play-offs. Christiansen took over in 2024 and went through all three rounds — five CONCACAF teams reached the semifinal, Panama beat El Salvador and Honduras. In Group L the main rival is Ghana (June 17 in Toronto) — a realistic chance for a win. Matches are in Toronto, Miami, and Philadelphia. The goal: repeat at least one 2018 goal and advance from the group for the first time.

---