Fixtura
NATIONAL TEAM · 32 / 48GROUP L · PAN

Panama

LGroup3Matches4#0PTS

Thomas Christiansen has spent years arguing that Panama belong at this level, and the summer of 2024 handed him his evidence. At the Copa América, his side reached the quarter-finals and knocked the United States out along the way, a result that rattled CONCACAF and stamped Panama as something more than a curiosity. The challenge in 2026 is proving that progress is built to last. Édgar Bárcenas and José Fajardo give the attack its edge, while Adalberto Carrasquilla, schooled at Pumas, sets the tempo alongside the durable Aníbal Godoy. The draw, though, is merciless: England, Croatia and Ghana in Group L. For a nation playing only its second World Cup after a winless 2018 debut, a point against Ghana and a tight night against Europe would already mark this as a step forward.

Matches
L #23
Jun 17
FT
Ghana
1 – 0
Panama
BMO FIELD · TORONTO
L #47
Jun 23
FT
Panama
0 – 1
Croatia
BMO FIELD · TORONTO
L #67
Jun 27
FT
Panama
0 – 2
England
METLIFE STADIUM · NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Standings · L

After matchday 3 of 3
#TeamMPWDLGDPTS
1ENG3210+47
2CRO320106
3GHA311104
4PAN3003-40
When does Panama play their first match?
Panama's opening match is on June 17, 2026 at 23:00 UTC against Ghana, played at BMO Field in Toronto.
Who are Panama's group rivals?
Panama is drawn into Group L of the 2026 tournament alongside Croatia, England, Ghana. Each team plays the other three once; the top two of every group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to the Round of 32.
What group is Panama in?
Panama is in Group L. The group also features Croatia, England, Ghana.
How many matches will Panama play in the tournament?
Panama are scheduled to play 3 matches at this stage, starting with the group stage. They could play up to seven matches in total if they advance all the way to the final.
How can Panama advance from Group L?
Panama need to finish in the top two of Group L to qualify directly for the Round of 32, or among the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups. Three points for a win, one for a draw, and goal difference is the first tiebreaker.