Panama
Los Canaleros are back at the World Cup. Panama arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with pride, progress and a clear target — to win their first ever match at the tournament. Drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Ghana, Panama face one of the toughest groups in the competition, but they also have the chance to show how far Panamanian football has come since their World Cup debut in 2018.
History
Panama’s football story changed forever in 2018, when the country qualified for its first ever FIFA World Cup. That campaign in Russia was difficult, with Panama losing all three group matches, but it gave the nation unforgettable moments — especially their first ever World Cup goal, scored by Felipe Baloy against England.
The 2026 tournament gives Panama a second chance to write a stronger chapter. Under Danish coach Thomas Christiansen, the national team has grown in confidence, structure and belief. Panama are no longer simply happy to be at the tournament; they arrive aiming to compete properly and chase the first World Cup win in their history.
Panama open Group L against Ghana, then face Croatia, before finishing against England. It is a brutal group on paper, with African power, Croatian tournament intelligence and English star quality all waiting. But for Panama, that also creates opportunity. One strong result could turn them from outsiders into one of the stories of the tournament.
World Cup Group Opponents
Ghana are Panama’s opening opponents and could be the most important match of their tournament. The Black Stars bring pace, strength and World Cup pedigree, but Panama will know that if they want to chase qualification, this is the game where they must be brave, organised and clinical.
Croatia bring elite tournament experience and one of the most respected midfield cultures in world football. With Luka Modrić still central to their story and a new generation coming through, Croatia will be expected to control the match. Panama will need discipline and patience to stay in the game.
England are Panama’s final group opponents and the most familiar World Cup name in this group. England beat Panama heavily in 2018, so this fixture carries history and a chance for Panama to show how much they have improved. If qualification is still possible by this point, Panama against England could become a massive occasion.
Kit History & Colours
Red, white and blue — Panama’s colours are bold, clean and tied directly to the national flag. The home shirt is usually red, giving Los Canaleros a strong and passionate identity on the pitch, while white and blue details complete the national look.
For mystery shirt fans, Panama are a brilliant World Cup pull because the shirt carries underdog energy. This is not one of the obvious giants — it is a country chasing its first ever World Cup win, backed by a passionate fanbase and a national team trying to prove its 2018 debut was only the beginning. A Panama shirt feels rare, colourful and full of tournament story.