2026-06-06
Carrasquilla race against time
Talisman's groin issue clouds preparation; opener vs Ghana seen as Panama's most winnable game before Croatia and England
Group L · CONCACAF · FIFA #33 · 1001/1
Panama
1730Panama's experienced core returns to the big stage, but Carrasquilla's fitness and a Group L gauntlet of England, Croatia and Ghana make points precious.
Coach Thomas Christiansen (Spain/Denmark) · since 2020-07
Matches
Key players
- Adalberto CarrasquillaMF · Pumas UNAM
Creative talisman nursing a groin injury from the Liga MX final
- Aníbal GodoyDM · San Diego FC
Captain and record cap-holder leading from midfield
- José CórdobaCB · Norwich City
European-tested defensive leader
- Amir MurilloRB · Beşiktaş
Attacking fullback with top-flight European experience
- Ismael DíazST · Club León
Leads the line after a productive qualifying campaign
Injuries / doubts
- Adalberto Carrasquilla — groin injury suffered in the Liga MX final days before squad announcement; fitness for the Ghana opener in doubt
Recent form
| 2026-06-06 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1-1 D | Friendly |
| 2026-06-03 | Dominican Republic | 4-2 W | Friendly |
| 2026-05-31 | Brazil | 2-6 L | Friendly |
| 2026-03-31 | South Africa | 2-1 W | Friendly |
| 2026-03-27 | South Africa | 1-1 D | Friendly |
| 2025-11-18 | El Salvador | 3-0 W | World Cup qualifier |
News
2026-06-01
Brazil reality check
6-2 thrashing at the Maracanã exposed defensive frailties before a brutal Group L
2026-05-26
Christiansen leans on experience
Squad blends seven 2018 World Cup veterans with the next generation for Panama's second finals