Panama return to 2026 World Cup, drawn with England, Croatia, Ghana

Panama clinched qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on November 18, 2025, defeating El Salvador 3-0 to secure the nation’s second appearance after its 2018 debut. The result capped a demanding CONCACAF campaign and confirmed Panama as Central America’s top-ranked side at 33rd in the world. At the finals, they will compete in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Ghana, with group matches scheduled in Canada and the United States.

The draw places Panama in a challenging section that includes a former world champion, a recent World Cup bronze medallist and a seasoned African contender. Two fixtures are set for Toronto and one for the New York/New Jersey area, giving Thomas Christiansen’s team a mixture of travel and climate conditions to manage during the opening phase.

Panama debuted on the global stage at Russia 2018 and finished bottom of their group after losses to Belgium, England and Tunisia. Felipe Baloy nevertheless delivered a historic first World Cup goal for the country, a landmark that continues to fuel belief in a more competitive showing this time.

Qualification route and recent form

Panama’s path featured two phases. They swept their second-round group with a perfect record against Nicaragua, Guyana, Montserrat and Belize, scoring 10 and conceding one. That run reflected a well-drilled unit capable of managing games and capitalising on key moments across multiple venues in the region.

The subsequent round paired Panama with Suriname, Guatemala and El Salvador. After four match days they sat on six points, but a 3-2 away victory over Guatemala revived momentum before a decisive 3-0 win against El Salvador on the final day. That closing result lifted them above Suriname and confirmed their ticket to the expanded tournament.

Group L opponents and schedule

England arrive as former world champions and among the favourites, while Croatia were third at the last World Cup and retain a reputation for tournament resilience. Ghana, multiple-time World Cup participants, add further pedigree and physicality. Panama will need discipline and efficiency in both penalty areas to handle fine margins.

Panama open against Ghana on June 17 in Toronto, face Croatia on June 23 in Toronto and close against England on June 27 in the New York/New Jersey area. Early points would ease pressure before the closer against England, when group places are often settled by small details.

Christiansen’s tenure and outlook

Appointed in 2020, Thomas Christiansen is the country’s longest-serving coach, guiding Panama to the semifinals of the 2023 and 2024 Nations League and to the finals of the 2023 Gold Cup and 2025 Nations League. That track record has provided an identity and competitive edge that the squad now seeks to translate onto the World Cup stage.

The target is a first knockout-round berth. The opener against Ghana is likely to set the tone; securing an early result could keep qualification within reach entering the final matchday.