Panama 2026 World Cup Squad Guide

Panama's second World Cup is also their first on home soil — Los Canaleros are one of six CONCACAF nations competing in a tournament co-hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Thomas Christiansen has built the most competitive Panamanian squad in history, with a core of experienced players who have spent years in MLS, Liga MX, and across Europe giving this team a professional depth that 2018's debut squad couldn't match.

The MetLife match against England on June 27 is the centerpiece of Panama's campaign from a New York perspective. England are the heavy favorites in Group L, but Panama are a team that doesn't concede easily — and in a single elimination format, anything can happen.

Panama's 2026 World Cup Squad

Squad confirmed by coach Thomas Christiansen on May 26, 2026.

Goalkeepers

• Orlando Mosquera — Al-Fayha (Saudi Pro League)
• Luis Mejía — Club Nacional (Uruguay)
• César Samudio — CD Marathón (Honduras)

Defenders

• César Blackman — Slovan Bratislava
• Jorge Gutiérrez — Deportivo La Guaira
• Amir Murillo — Beşiktaş
• Fidel Escobar — Deportivo Saprissa
• Andrés Andrade — LASK
• Edgardo Fariña — Pari Nizhniy Novgorod
• José Córdoba — Norwich City
• Eric Davis — CD Plaza Amador
• Jiovany Ramos — Academia Puerto Cabello
• Roderick Miller — Turan Tovuz

Midfielders

• Aníbal Godoy (C) — San Diego FC (MLS)
• Adalberto Carrasquilla — Pumas UNAM
• Carlos Harvey — Minnesota United (MLS)
• Cristian Martínez — Ironi Kiryat Shmona
• José Luis Rodríguez — FC Juárez
• César Yanis — Cobresal
• Yoel Bárcenas — Mazatlán FC
• Alberto Quintero — CD Plaza Amador
• Azarías Londoño — Universidad Católica de Chile

Forwards

• Ismael Díaz — Club Deportivo FAS
• Cecilio Waterman — Independiente del Valle
• José Fajardo — CS Herediano
• Tomás Rodríguez — CD Árabe Unido

Key Players

Aníbal Godoy — The Record and the Spine

Panama's record cap holder at 157 appearances plays his club football at San Diego FC in MLS, where his defensive midfield work has been a constant. Godoy has been the heartbeat of every Panama squad under Christiansen — his ability to win the ball and control tempo allows Carrasquilla to operate further forward. At 35, this is almost certainly his last World Cup, and he will lead this team with the authority that comes from knowing it.

Adalberto Carrasquilla — The Creative Engine

Widely regarded as Panama's most technically gifted footballer, Carrasquilla at Pumas UNAM has developed into a midfielder capable of deciding matches. His passing range and ability to find teammates in tight spaces is the foundation of Panama's attacking play. When Panama score goals, Carrasquilla is usually involved in the sequence.

Alberto Quintero — The Eight-Year Story

Quintero was named in Panama's 2018 World Cup squad before injury ruled him out just before the tournament. He watched Russia 2018 from home. Now 38 and playing in Panama, Christiansen handed him a second chance. He won't start every game, but his dressing-room experience and the emotional weight of finally getting there gives Panama something that doesn't show up in statistics.

Cecilio Waterman — The Striker

Waterman has been one of the most effective forwards in Central American club football over the past several seasons. His ability to hold up play and bring others into the game makes him a useful option in a system that often needs someone to link midfield and attack under pressure.

Panama vs England — MetLife, June 27

England are the pre-tournament favorites in Group L — Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and one of the most talented squads in tournament history. Panama are significant underdogs. But Panama have built their reputation over the past decade by being organized, disciplined, and hard to beat — qualities that can produce results against technically superior opposition. MetLife Stadium on June 27 will be packed, and the Panamanian contingent from across the tri-state area will make their presence heard.