Panama's 2026 World Cup Squad: Los Canaleros Aim to Shock England, Croatia & Ghana

Panama are back at the FIFA World Cup for only the second time in their history — following their debut appearance in Russia 2018 — and they arrive in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Ghana with the confidence of a nation that knows it belongs on the world stage.

The 2018 Debut

Panama's 2018 World Cup debut in Russia was a historic milestone for Central American football. Though they were eliminated in the group stage, their appearance — and particularly their goal against England, which sent their commentary team into legendary hysterics — captured hearts worldwide and gave Panamanian football a moment it will never forget. In 2026, they return with greater experience and the determination to go further.

The CONCACAF Qualification Story

Panama qualified for 2026 as CONCACAF Group A winners — topping their qualifying group ahead of more fancied opposition. Their qualification campaign demonstrated the growth of Panamanian football infrastructure over the past decade, with a new generation of players emerging from the domestic league and earning moves to clubs across the Americas and Europe.

Group L: The England Fixture

Panama's group stage schedule: June 17 vs Ghana at BMO Field, Toronto; June 23 vs Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia; June 27 vs England at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. The England match — played at the iconic MetLife Stadium — is the fixture that every Panamanian fan will circle on their calendar. A repeat of their 2018 goal against the Three Lions would send the nation into delirium.

Los Canaleros' Tournament Target

At +250000 in the tournament odds, Panama are among the longest-priced sides in the field. But their CONCACAF qualification form — topping their group — shows that this is not a team that simply makes up the numbers. Their target is clear: win the Ghana opener, make the matches against Croatia and England competitive, and give Panama football another historic memory to cherish. In a 48-team tournament, the upsets always come — and Los Canaleros fancy themselves to deliver one.