FIFA World Cup 2026 Panama: Schedule, How to Watch, History & Record
Panama made history in 2018 by qualifying for their first World Cup. Eight years on, Thomas Christiansen’s side returns for a second shot at football’s biggest stage. Drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Ghana, the 2026 FIFA World Cup presents Panama with the kind of group that separates ambition from reality.
This is Panama’s second World Cup appearance. They arrive ranked 33rd in the world as of April 1, 2026. Christiansen has led the side since 2020 and built one of CONCACAF’s most stubborn defensive units. Panama topped their qualifying group without losing once.
Panama World Cup 2026 Schedule (Local Time)
Panama City runs on EST year-round with no daylight saving time, sitting at UTC-5. During the World Cup in June, the US East Coast observes EDT (UTC-4), which means Panama matches kick off one hour earlier in local time than the listed ET time.
| Date | Opponent | Time (Local) | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 17, 2026 | Ghana | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM ET | Toronto Stadium |
| June 23, 2026 | Croatia | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM ET | Toronto Stadium |
| June 27, 2026 | England | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM ET | New York New Jersey Stadium |
Panama plays their first two matches at Toronto Stadium before travelling south for a date with England at New York New Jersey Stadium. Two Group L games in the same venue gives Christiansen’s squad a chance to settle into a routine before the biggest test of their group.
The top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 32, as do the eight best third-placed teams. Check out the full 2026 World Cup schedule for all Group L kick-off times.
How to Watch the World Cup 2026 in Panama
Fans in Panama can watch World Cup 2026 across three broadcasters. RPC and TVN carry matches free-to-air, giving anyone with a television antenna access to Panama’s group stage games.
Tigo Sports offers pay TV coverage for subscribers wanting full tournament access. FIFA+ also streams selected matches globally at no cost at fifa.com/fifaplus.
How to Stream the World Cup 2026 in Panama
RPC and TVN both stream online through their apps, making it easy to watch on mobile or desktop without a cable subscription. Tigo Sports subscribers can stream via the Tigo app on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
How to Listen to the World Cup 2026 in Panama
Radio is a vital part of football culture in Panama. RPC Radio, the audio arm of the RPC network, is expected to carry live World Cup 2026 commentary. Local sports stations across Panama City and the interior provinces will also air coverage during group stage fixtures.
Panama World Cup History & Record
After ten failed qualification campaigns, Los Canaleros finally reached Russia 2018 as the first Panamanian side ever to play at a World Cup. The moment Felipe Baloy curled home against England in the 78th minute, a nation erupted. Panama lost 6-1 that day. Nobody cared about the score.
2018 (Russia): Panama drew Group G alongside Belgium, England, and Tunisia. A 0-3 defeat to Belgium opened the campaign, then a 1-6 loss to England, then a 1-2 defeat against Tunisia. They finished 32nd. But Baloy’s goal and the scenes that followed in Panama City set the ambitions for what came next.
| Year | Round | W | D | L | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Group Stage (32nd) | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 11 |
All-time World Cup record: Played 3, Won 0, Drew 0, Lost 3, GF 2, GA 11.
World Cup 2026 Panama Predictions and Analysis
Group L is the hardest draw Panama could have received. England arrive as genuine contenders. Croatia know how to survive major tournaments. Ghana are the most beatable opponent, making June 17 the match that defines Panama’s entire campaign. Win that game and everything is possible. Lose it and the pressure mounts quickly.
Captain Aníbal Godoy (San Diego FC) anchors the midfield with nearly 160 international caps. Alongside him, Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla (UNAM Pumas) drives forward and creates. The 2023 Gold Cup Best Player brings quality in tight spaces that Panama badly needs against elite opposition.
Up front, Ismael Díaz (Club León) is the main threat, with 17 goals in 53 caps across MLS and Liga MX. At right back, Amir Murillo (Beşiktaş) provides European-level experience down the right flank.
Christiansen builds in a compact defensive shape, inviting pressure and targeting transitions. Panama conceded just five goals across 10 qualifying matches. They are hard to break down. The question is whether Díaz and Carrasquilla can produce enough going the other way.
Reaching the Round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams is a realistic target. Visit the Group L page for standings and match updates.
Panama FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs
What group is Panama in at the 2026 World Cup?
Panama are in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Ghana. Their group stage matches run from June 17 to June 27, 2026, with the first two games at Toronto Stadium and the final match at New York New Jersey Stadium.
When is Panama’s first match at the 2026 World Cup?
Panama open against Ghana on June 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET (6:00 PM in Panama) at Toronto Stadium. It is their most winnable group game and the match that shapes their entire tournament.
How did Panama qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Panama went unbeaten across 10 CONCACAF qualifying matches, winning seven and drawing three, scoring 19 goals and conceding five. They topped their third-round group and confirmed qualification on November 18, 2025.
How can I watch Panama’s World Cup 2026 matches for free?
In Panama, RPC and TVN are free-to-air broadcasters covering the tournament on TV and via their streaming apps. FIFA+ streams selected matches globally at no cost.
Who is Panama’s head coach for the 2026 World Cup?
Thomas Christiansen has managed Panama since 2020. The former Barcelona striker previously coached Leeds United and Union Saint-Gilloise before taking over Los Canaleros.
What is Panama’s best World Cup result?
Panama’s only previous appearance was 2018, where they finished 32nd after losing all three group games. Felipe Baloy’s goal against England was the first World Cup goal in Panamanian history.
Do Panama fans need a visa to attend the 2026 World Cup in the USA?
Panamanian citizens need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to enter the United States as Panama is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. Visit the US Embassy in Panama visa page for current requirements.
Who are Panama’s key players for the 2026 World Cup?
Captain Aníbal Godoy (San Diego FC) anchors midfield with nearly 160 caps. Adalberto Carrasquilla (UNAM Pumas) creates, Ismael Díaz (Club León) leads the attack, and Amir Murillo (Beşiktaş) provides right-back quality from Europe.
World Cup 2026 Panama will carry the hopes of a nation that waited decades for this stage. With an unbeaten qualifying campaign behind them and genuine quality in the final third, Los Canaleros are no longer just happy to be here.
The group is tough, but Panama have the defensive foundation and the individual talent to make Group L uncomfortable for anyone who takes them lightly.
