Cecilio Waterman (right) and Alberto Quintero embark on their first World Cup tournament in their mid-30s. Photograph: Eliezer Aizprua/EPA
After impressive showings in recent major tournaments, Thomas Christiansen’s players are aiming to prove a point on the global stage. This article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. The Guardian is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 11 June.
The Plan
La Marea Roja arrive in full voice. After their historic World Cup debut at Russia 2018, they mean business this time round and want to progress from the group. With Michael Murillo leading from the back, midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla providing a creative spark, and captain Aníbal Godoy still the heart and soul of the team, Panama are ready to write a new chapter.
This is a more mature side than the one from 2018. Under coach Thomas Christiansen, the team have developed a pragmatic style of play with an organised defence, quick transitions and plenty of physicality. They usually play 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 with Murillo the leading figure at right-back, but that could shift to a back five against stronger opponents. There is a double pivot of Godoy, who wins the ball, and Carrasquilla, who can use it. In attack, Ismael Díaz and José Rodríguez are sharp-shooting speedsters.
Panama topped their Concacaf group in qualifying, conceding just four goals in the final group phase and sealing their spot at the finals with a 3-0 win against El Salvador last November. They’ve improved in possession and arrive in North America full of confidence off the back of reaching the quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa América and the final of the 2023 Gold Cup.
Group K Fixtures
- 17 June v Ghana, Toronto (7pm local, 18 June 12am BST, 18 June 9am AEST)
- 23 June v Croatia, Toronto (7pm local, 24 June 12am BST, 24 June 9am AEST)
- 27 June v England, New York/New Jersey (5pm local, 10pm BST, 28 June 7am AEST)
“Our faith moves mountains,” Christiansen said. “To be at the World Cup for the second time, we want to improve on 2018 and compete like never before.” Godoy agrees: “We will give everything. This group is united and hungry to make history.”
The realistic aim is to make it out of the group. Christiansen will want to prove they have the discipline to avoid a repeat of the 2018 6-1 thrashing by England, who are group opponents once more. A spot in the last 16 is the dream. The dressing room believes it is possible.
The Coach
Thomas Christiansen has been in charge since 2020. The Dane started his playing career in Barcelona’s B team and spent much of it in Spain. He shone as a coach in Cyprus before stints with Leeds and Union Saint-Gilloise. The 53-year-old has transformed Panama into a competitive team, taking them to the 2023 Gold Cup final, 2024 Copa América quarter-finals and now their second World Cup. “We want to compete and get out of the group. The selección is more than ready,” Christiansen says. His team will not fear anybody.
Star Player
Michael Murillo is Panama’s talisman. The 30-year-old Besiktas right-back has more than 90 caps and has played in MLS, Belgium, France and now Turkey. Quick off the mark, good one-on-one and a threat in the opposing box, he will be key to any success. His leadership and experience in top leagues has made him a captain without the armband. He grew up in Colón, sharing a room with his mother and siblings but, while baseball was the family’s favourite sport, he chose football and wanted to provide. Now a national treasure, he has never forgotten his roots. “Be proud of your family, fight for your family and believe in your family,” he says.
One to Watch
José Rodríguez lost his father at the age of 10 but the youngster from Panama City found the strength to dream big through football and his family. The winger with lightning speed has made a name for himself in Belgium, Spain, Portugal and Serbia. He isn’t afraid to try his luck from distance either, scoring via a deflection off Tunisia’s Yassine Meriah in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup. The 27-year-old, now playing in Mexico, has found a mentor in Thomas Christiansen. “I’m very grateful to ‘El Profe’ … we know each other very well and we’re like a family,” Rodríguez has said.
Unsung Hero
With more than 150 caps – a national record – Aníbal Godoy is the most experienced member of this Panama squad. At the age of 36 he remains the person Christiansen can rely on to do the dirty work: winning the ball back, covering space and organising those around him. The San Diego midfielder isn’t one to grab the headlines but his graft allows others such as Adalberto Carrasquilla to shine. Godoy is highly respected within the Panama dressing room – it would not be the same without him.
Probable Starting XI
Illustration: Guardian
What to Expect from Fans at Games?
La Marea Roja (the Red Wave) are some of the most passionate fans in Concacaf. They are loud and proud, but respectful too. After eight years of waiting for another opportunity to go to a World Cup finals tournament, they will travel in their numbers: Copa Airlines – who flew the team out in a red and white plane – are putting on special flights to the US, Canada and Mexico. Watch out for the sombreros.
Relationship with the US/Trump?
Tense, over the Panama canal. Last year Trump said: “We’re going to take it back or something very powerful is going to happen.” He accused Panama of violating the treaty of neutrality and allowing Chinese influence. The Panamanian government strongly rejected Trump’s words. Neither Christiansen nor the players will go near the subject, with the federation prioritising national pride. The supporters have criticised the high prices of tickets and transport in the US but largely stayed away from the broader controversy. The canal issue is sensitive, but the national team are going to play football, not politics.
Written by José Miguel Domínguez Flores for Chepebomba.com and the podcast Punto Y Pelota Mentira No Es.
