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SOCCER: Panama's head coach Christiansen unveils World Cup 2026 squad

Panama named a veteran-led squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with captain Anibal Godoy and midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla headlining the roster as they prepare for their second-ever tournament appearance. Coach Thomas Christiansen hopes the experienced core can help Panama improve on their 2018 debut and make a stronger impact in Group L against Ghana, England and Croatia.

Abraham Teran, Diego Delgado, Liamar Ramos/Reuters

May 27, 2026

SOCCER: Panama's head coach Christiansen unveils World Cup 2026 squad

Panama coach Thomas Christiansen during the squad announcement, Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Panama coach Thomas Christiansen announces his World Cup squad - CAR Pandeportes, Panama City, Panama - May 26, 2026.

Enea Lebrun/Reuters

Panama named an experienced squad for the World Cup on Tuesday (May 26), with captain Anibal Godoy and midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla included as Thomas Christiansen's side prepare for the finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.


Panama secured qualification for only their second World Cup after victory over El Salvador sealed their place at the June 11-July 19 tournament, eight years on from their debut in Russia.


Christiansen retained the core of the side that guided Panama through CONCACAF qualifying, with veteran midfielder Godoy expected to lead the team alongside Pumas UNAM midfielder Carrasquilla, who was included despite suffering an injury in Sunday's Liga MX final defeat to Cruz Azul.


Veteran forward Alberto Quintero was also named in the squad after missing the 2018 World Cup through injury, while the omission of Botafogo midfielder Kadir Barria was among the notable absences from Christiansen's final list.


Panama will face Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina in warm-up matches before travelling to Canada to establish their World Cup base camp in New Tecumseth, Ontario.


They will open their Group L campaign against Ghana on June 17 before facing England and Croatia, as Panama look to improve on their 2018 World Cup debut, when they exited in the group stage without earning a point.

-Abraham Teran, Diego Delgado, Liamar Ramos/Reuters

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