World Cup 2026: Who are the Panama players England need to look out for?

World Cup 2026: Who are the Panama players England need to look out for?

Panama enters its second World Cup appearance with a squad that is both the oldest and most-capped in the tournament. After a debut in 2018 that saw them lose all three group games—including a 6-1 defeat to England—the team now seeks to avoid a sixth-straight World Cup loss on Saturday, a result that would equal the longest 100% losing record in the history of the competition.

Currently ranked 33rd globally, Los Canaleros have evolved under head coach Thomas Christiansen, who has led the team since 2020. Christiansen, a former Leeds United boss and Barcelona B player, has implemented a European-style possession model. During qualification, Panama averaged 61.9% possession and remained unbeaten across 10 matches, eventually topping their group with a 3-0 victory over El Salvador on November 18, 2025.

Despite this regional dominance, Panama's path in Group L has been grueling. Following an opening match against Ghana on June 17 and a defeat to Croatia on June 23, the squad is playing for pride after early elimination. To cause an upset against England on June 27 in New York/New Jersey, they will rely on several key figures.

The Midfield Engine

Adalberto Carrasquilla is described as Panama's most important player and key connector. The 27-year-old UNAM midfielder won the Golden Ball at the 2023 Gold Cup and became the first Panamanian named CONCACAF men's player of the year in 2024. After missing previous games due to a thigh injury sustained during the Mexican league title decider on May 24, indications suggest he is fit enough to be involved against England.

Complementing Carrasquilla is Aníbal Godoy. At 36, the San Diego midfielder is the most experienced member of the squad with a national record of more than 150 caps. While Carrasquilla provides the creative spark, Godoy is tasked with the "dirty work" of winning the ball and organizing the team.

Adding energy to the center is Cristian Martinez, nicknamed El Fulo (The Blond). The 29-year-old, who plays for Kiryat Shmona in Israel, became the first Panamanian to win a Fifa man-of-the-match award in a World Cup game during the clash against Croatia. Head coach Christiansen described Martinez as spectacular, noting he produced metrics the team had not seen in six years.

Defensive Pillars and Attackers

The defense is anchored by Michael Murillo and Carlos Cordoba. Murillo, a 30-year-old Besiktas right-back with over 90 caps, is viewed as the team's talisman. Having played in France, Belgium, and the MLS, Murillo's leadership is central to the squad's structure. He previously faced England during the 2018 tournament.

Cordoba, a 25-year-old left-footed central defender for Norwich City, has flourished under head coach Philippe Clement. Known as the Prince of Panama at Carrow Road, Cordoba averaged 6.2 ball recoveries per 90 minutes among centre-backs playing at least 750 minutes in the 2025-26 Championship season. He recently marked his 30th cap with his first international goal in March during a win over South Africa in Cape Town.

In the attacking third, veteran forward Cecilio Waterman provides experience. The 35-year-old is known for a stoppage-time winner against the USA in the Concacaf Nations League, which he celebrated by embracing his idol, Thierry Henry. However, tensions flared on Friday when Waterman had to be restrained by teammates after a physical disagreement with Jose Luis Rodriguez. Other attacking threats include "sharp-shooting speedsters" Ismael Díaz and Rodríguez.

Tactical Outlook

While Panama has a sophisticated possession game, they have struggled with finishing, missing 29 of 40 "big chances" during qualification. Against elite teams like England, Christiansen's pragmatic approach focuses on a compact block and quick transitions. The team's ability to disrupt the tempo and utilize set pieces remains their clearest route to influencing the game.

Off the pitch, the team has remained focused on football despite political sensitivities regarding the Panama Canal and comments from Donald Trump concerning Chinese influence and treaty neutrality. The federation has prioritized national pride as the team seeks to avoid a repeat of the 2018 thrashing.