After missing the 2022 edition in Qatar, Panama returns this summer to make their second appearance at the World Cup.
Back in 2018, Panama were overawed by the occasion in Russia, failing to win a point against England, Belgium or Tunisia.
Eight years later, Panama should be far better prepared as they look to make their mark. Indeed, the nation reached the final of the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Panama topped their group before thrashing Qatar 4-0 in the quarter-finals. The real highlight came in the semi-final, though, as the USA were sent packing via a penalty shootout.
Mexico ended their dream in the final, but that tournament offered hope that Panama could make progress within their confederation.
A year later, another victory over the USA saw Panama reach the quarter-finals of the Copa America, yet they suffered a chastening 5-0 loss to Colombia.
The hope is that the Central American nation can pick up its first World Cup points, although qualification for the knockout stages might just be out of reach.
How Panama qualified for the World Cup
Placed in Group A alongside El Salvador, Guatemala and Suriname, Panama topped the section, but they did make hard work of things early on.
Back-to-back draws to open up proceedings meant the nation had it all to do, but Thomas Christiansen’s men went and won three of their next four games to seal top spot in the group.
In the end, they finished three points clear of Suriname and secured a spot at the 2026 tournament without having to go through the Inter-confederation play-offs.
Panama’s key players
2018 veteran Anibal Godoy remains the fulcrum of the side, and he will be key for Panama across all three of their group games.
The 36-year-old has played 157 games for his country and was superb in the 2023 Gold Cup campaign. He succeeded with 100% of his dribbles and won 59% of his total duels throughout the competition.
He is three years older, but his experience will prove to be vital.
Yoel Barcenas scored two goals during that run to the Gold Cup final in 2023, and he will provide a key attacking threat for Panama.
Panama will need all of his attacking nous to unlock stubborn defences in North America this summer, and Barcenas could be the man to do so.
Coach profile: Thomas Christiansen
Christiansen has been in charge since 2020 and has forged a real identity among the squad since then.
The excellent performances at the Gold Cup in 2023 and Copa America a year later showed that the Dane has Panama on the right track.
The 2025 Gold Cup didn’t quite go to plan, with Panama being knocked out in the quarter-finals by Honduras, but hopes are higher this summer compared to Russia in 2018.
After helping his side become one of the best sides in their confederation, the next step is proving their worth on the world stage.
Panama’s World Cup history
Panama were the worst side of the 2018 World Cup, finishing 32nd out of 32 teams. Not only did they fail to win a point, but they scored just twice and conceded 11 goals in the process.
Defeats to England and Belgium were certainly expected, but Panama were holding Tunisia until a 66th-minute winner condemned the country to their third defeat.
Christiansen will be hoping that lessons have been learned from that experience in Russia eight years ago.
Panama’s World Cup fixtures
Ghana vs Panama
June 17 at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
Toronto Stadium, Canada
Croatia vs Panama
June 23 at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
Toronto Stadium, Canada
Panama vs England
June 27 at 5:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT
New York/New Jersey Stadium
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