PanamaGroup L · CONCACAF · FIFA #33 · Elo 1733
📅 Group L: vs Croatia · England · Ghana
Panama arrive at their second-ever World Cup having dethroned the USA as Central America's top side, carrying a veteran-heavy squad that includes 38-year-old legend Alberto Quintero — denied in 2018 by injury — and captain Aníbal Godoy, the country's record cap-holder, looking to channel their 2023 Gold Cup run into a genuine knockout-stage bid in a tough Group L against England, Croatia, and Ghana.
Felipe Baloy's 78th-minute goal against England at Russia 2018 was Panama's first-ever World Cup goal — scored while already 6-0 down.
Aníbal Godoy is Panama's most-capped player of all time with over 155 senior international appearances.
Panama have never lost a home World Cup qualifier under Christiansen, helping them become the top-ranked CONCACAF side outside the automatic three (USA, Canada, Mexico).
Alberto Quintero, 38, played at Panama's historic 2018 World Cup debut in Russia and, eight years on, returns as the squad's elder statesman for a second appearance on the global stage.
Reebok — back in international football for the first time in over a decade — chose Panama as their partner for the 2026 World Cup, unveiling three striking kits featuring the harpy eagle motif.
Panama reached their first World Cup in 2017 thanks to a 'ghost goal' against Costa Rica that clearly never crossed the line — and the president declared a national holiday the very next morning.
In 2013 Panama were minutes from a World Cup playoff when the USA's Graham Zusi scored a stoppage-time goal that saved Mexico instead — grateful Mexicans nicknamed him 'San Zusi', Saint Zusi.
The big number is the player's EA FC 26 (FIFA 26) overall rating; for players not in the game it's estimated from market value & role.
Tip: click any player for full details, or “✨ Get to know Panama” up top for trivia & the anthem. OVR = EA FC 26 (FIFA 26) rating; for players not in the game it's estimated from market value.
Ghana
Croatia
England