FIFA World Cup 2026: Aníbal Godoy Leads Minnows Panama Back on Big Stage After Eight Years
Thomas Christianesen’s side has emerged as the top team in Central America in recent years as pictured below. All players, full squad list, key stats and the schedule is listed:
Panama return to the FIFA World Cup for only the second time, and eight years on from their maiden appearance, their ambition is clear: they are here for more than just making up the numbers. After navigating two rounds of a demanding qualifying campaign, Panama booked their place at the 2026 World Cup as one of six football representatives from North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
Their debut campaign in Russia 2018 saw them go home without a point but Panama have improved significantly since, reaching the finals of the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2025 Nations League. At the World Cup 2026, they are drawn in Group L, alongside England, who are former champions and pre-tournament favorites, last edition’s third-place finishers Croatia and African nation Ghana. Here is what you need to know about Panama.
Quick Facts
- Captain: Aníbal Godoy
- Manager: Thomas Christiansen
- World Cup appearances (including 2026): 2
- Best World Cup result: Group stage (2018)
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Panama’s full squad
Goalkeepers: Orlando Mosquera (Al-Fayha FC), Luis Mejía (Club Nacional), César Samudio (CD Marathon)
Defenders: César Blackman (Slovan Bratislava), Jorge Gutiérrez (Deportivo La Guaira), Amir Murillo (Besiktas), Fidel Escobar (Deportivo Saprissa), Andrés Andrade (LASK), Edgardo Fariña (FC Pari Nizhniy Novgorod), José Córdoba (Norwich City), Eric Davis (CD Plaza Amador), Jiovani Ramos (Academia Puerto Cabello), Roderick Miller (Turan Tovuz)
Midfielders: Aníbal Godoy (San Diego FC), Adalberto Carrasquilla (UNAM Pumas), Carlos Harvey (Minnesota United FC), Cristian Martínez (Ironi Kiryat Shmona), José Luis Rodríguez (FC Juarez), Cesar Yanis (CD Cobresal), Yoel Bárcenas (Mazatlan FC), Alberto Quintero (CD Plaza Amador), Azarías Londoño (CD Universidad Catolica)
Forwards: Ismael Díaz (Club Leon FC), Cecilio Waterman (Universidad de Concepcion), José Fajardo (CD Universidad Catolica), Tomás Rodríguez (Deportivo Saprissa)
Who are Panama’s stars to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The weight of the nation’s hopes will rest on experienced forward José Fajardo and winger Puma Rodríguez, the team’s joint top scorers during the qualifying campaign.
Striker Cecilio Waterman remains another key figure in Panama’s attack, while youngster Carlos Harvey has flourished under coach Christiansen’s setup.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Panama’s Group Stage Schedule
All times in local time
- 17 June, 19:00 EDT – Ghana vs Panama – Toronto (Canada)
- 23 June, 19:00 EDT – Panama vs Croatia – Toronto (Canada)
- 27 June, 17:00 EDT – Panama vs England – East Rutherford, New Jersey (USA)
