3
WC Appearances
including 2026
Group Stage
Best Result
all-time
None
Titles
yet to win
#34
FIFA Ranking
April 2026 (approx.)
About Panama
Panama make their third consecutive World Cup appearance in 2026, cementing their status as a genuine CONCACAF force after a rapid rise in Central American football. Los Canaleros, coached by Danish-born Thomas Christiansen, qualified with a mix of MLS players and Central American-based talent that reflects the growing depth of Panamanian football. Group L against England, Croatia, and Ghana is their toughest group in three World Cup cycles, but Panama's physical, hard-running style makes them competitive opponents who can take points from anyone. Their passionate support base and the national pride invested in each World Cup appearance makes Panama one of the tournament's most colourful participants.
Team Base Camp
🇨🇦 Canada
Base camp
New Tecumseth, Ontario
La Marea Roja base in rural Ontario, an hour north of Toronto. Quieter than the city, with full training-grade fields and a short drive to BMO Field for their Group L match vs Canada.
Per FIFA regulations (§18.3), Panama stays at this base camp for the entire group stage and travels to each match venue one day before kickoff (and returns the same night or the next day).
Distance to each group-stage match
Straight-line distance from New Tecumseth to each match stadium. Actual travel adds airport time on flights.
Key Players
Luis Mejía
Martín Krug
Michael Amir Murillo
Aníbal Godoy
Cecilio Waterman
Head Coach
Thomas Christiansen
2026 Group
Group L
Panama at the 2026 World Cup
All times shown are local to the stadium
World Cup History
| Year | Stage Reached | |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Group Stage | |
| 2018 | Group Stage |
3 appearances total · Includes all World Cups as Panama
Panama World Cup 2026 FAQ
What group is Panama in for the 2026 World Cup?+
Panama is in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside England, Croatia, Ghana.
Who is the manager of Panama at the 2026 World Cup?+
Thomas Christiansen manages Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What is Panama's FIFA ranking?+
Panama is ranked #34 in the FIFA World Rankings heading into the 2026 World Cup.
How many World Cups has Panama played in?+
Panama has appeared in 3 FIFA World Cups including 2026. Their best result is Group Stage.
When does Panama play in the 2026 World Cup?+
Panama's 2026 World Cup group stage matches: June 17 vs Ghana; June 23 vs Croatia; June 27 vs England. Knockout matches are determined by group stage results.
Who are Panama's key players for the 2026 World Cup?+
Key players to watch for Panama include Luis Mejía, Martín Krug, Michael Amir Murillo, Aníbal Godoy, Cecilio Waterman.
Where is Panama's base camp for the 2026 World Cup?+
Panama will be based in New Tecumseth, Ontario (Canada), training at Nottawasaga Training Site. Per FIFA regulations, the team stays at this base camp throughout the group stage and travels to match venues one day before each game.
Panama on the way to 2026
Panama v Tunisia | 2018 FIFA World Cup | Match Highlights (FIFA)