Panama qualified for their second World Cup. Their first appearance was in 2018 in Russia. In 2026, they face England, Croatia and Ghana in Group L. Here is what Panama brings and what success looks like.
PANAMA'S FIRST FIFA World Cup 2026 Panama Preview
Panama qualified for the 2018 World Cup for the first time in their history. It was a national celebration. They lost all three group games and went home without a point. But the qualification alone was the greatest achievement in Panamanian football.
Blas Pérez, Rommel Fernández and a generation of players had worked toward that moment for years. The country celebrated it as a defining national moment regardless of the results.
RETURNING IN 2026
Panama's return to the World Cup eight years later confirms that 2018 was not a lucky one-off. They qualified fairly through CONCACAF again. The program has strengthened. More Panamanian players are in MLS and some in lower European leagues.
PANAMA'S GROUP
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama.
Panama's group schedule:
MD1: Ghana vs. Panama, June 17, Toronto
MD2: Panama vs. Croatia, June 23, Toronto
MD3: England vs. Panama, June 27, Dallas
BOTH EARLY GAMES IN TORONTO
Panama plays their first two games in Toronto. BMO Field gives them a compact, atmospheric venue. Toronto has a significant Caribbean and Latin American population. There will be Panamanian supporters in Toronto for both group games.
THE GHANA OPENER
Ghana vs. Panama is Panama's most competitive game. Both are realistic opponents where a point or three is achievable. Panama will set up defensively and look for counter-attacks. Getting something from this game is critical.
THE CROATIA GAME
Panama vs. Croatia on June 23 is their second match. Croatia are a quality European team. Panama will need to defend exceptionally well to take points. This is a difficult but not impossible task for a disciplined, well-organized CONCACAF side.
THE ENGLAND GAME
England vs. Panama in Dallas is likely Panama's toughest game. England have Premier League quality throughout. Panama will face intense pressure. But Panama have experience now. They are not going to collapse without a fight.
KEY PLAYERS
Rolando Blackburn has been Panama's most consistent attacker in recent qualifying campaigns. Goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera provides experienced shot-stopping. The CONCACAF qualifying experience hardened the squad in competitive matches against Costa Rica, Mexico and the USA.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
A first World Cup win in their history would be a landmark moment. Panama have never won a World Cup match. Beating Ghana in the opener would be celebrated with the same national intensity as qualifying itself.
Even without a win, competing and representing their country at the highest level for the second time in eight years demonstrates the genuine growth of football in Panama.