Group L · Match 21Full time
- C. Yirenkyi 16'
- C. Yirenkyi 90'+5'
- C. Blackman 72'
- C. Harvey 90'+9'
Panama
Group LFIFA ranking #31CONCACAFPAN
2nd appearance · First since 2018
Profile
Panama topped their CONCACAF qualifying group to return to the World Cup for only the second time in history, continuing the remarkable rise of a nation that first qualified in 2018 against all expectations. Under Thomas Christiansen, Los Canaleros have become the region's most steadily improved programme — organised, disciplined and increasingly capable of competing with more powerful opponents. They reached the Gold Cup final in 2023 as further evidence of their regional standing. Adalberto Carrasquilla has established himself as one of CONCACAF's most creative midfielders. Michael Amir Murillo brings Marseille's Ligue 1 experience to a right-back position. José Fajardo provides the goalscoring threat up front. Panama still dream of their first ever World Cup goal from open play — they scored against England in 2018 but only from a penalty. Group L against England, Croatia and Ghana is one of the hardest possible draws, but Panama's team spirit and collective organisation make them the kind of opponents capable of disrupting the predictions of the entire competition.
Panama fixtures
Group L · Match 46Full time
- É. Bárcenas 61'
- A. Budimir 54'
- P. Sucic 90'+2'
Group L · Match 67Full time
- J. Fajardo 53'
- A. Andrade 84'
- J. Quansah 60'
- J. Bellingham 62'
- H. Kane 67'
Players to watch
Adalberto Carrasquilla
Midfielder · Pumas UNAM
Panama's most technically gifted midfielder and the creative force behind their CONCACAF qualifying campaign, Carrasquilla controls the tempo and distributes with intelligence above his competition level. His ability to receive the ball in tight spaces, turn quickly and find teammates with precise passing gives Panama a platform to compete against significantly more resourced opponents.
Michael Amir Murillo
Defender · Marseille
Panama's most experienced European-based defender, Murillo has played Ligue 1 football and been involved in European competition with Marseille, bringing elite-level experience to Panama's back line. His pace, defensive reliability and ability to contain wide forwards regularly tested in French football give Panama a right-back of genuine international quality.
José Fajardo
Forward · Universidad Católica
Panama's most dangerous striking option, Fajardo has been a consistent goalscorer across Chilean football and CONCACAF qualifying, combining directness with a reliable finishing instinct. His physical presence, ability to hold the ball under pressure and create space for teammates make him Los Canaleros' primary focal point in attack at this World Cup.