WC26 Analysis

πŸ‡΅πŸ‡¦ Panama

World Cup 2026 | Group L | Power rating 1636 (was 1660) | World rank #41

About Panama

Panama are a spirited Central American side. A CONCACAF side, they enter the 2026 World Cup rated 1636 -41st of the 48 teams -in Group L.

Reached their first World Cup in 2018, a landmark moment for the nation. Combative and organised, competing through togetherness and set pieces.

Drawn alongside England, Croatia and Ghana, their toughest group test on paper is the meeting with England. The model lists them 4th in the group and to fall short of the knockout rounds.

Detailed team profile

Overview

Panama are a competitive CONCACAF side returning for their second World Cup with a pragmatic structure and a chance to improve on 2018.

World Cup history

Panama made their World Cup debut in 2018 and lost all three group matches. The 2026 tournament is their second appearance and first since Russia.

Recent form

Panama qualified by topping Group A in the third round of CONCACAF qualifying and also reached the Copa America 2024 quarter-finals.

2026 World Cup angle

In Group L, Panama are the underdog against England, Croatia and Ghana, but the expanded format gives them incentive to chase a first World Cup win. Their opening match against Ghana is likely their most important opportunity.

Group-stage results & analysis

MatchScorePanama model share
vs πŸ‡¬πŸ‡­ Ghana FT 0 : 1 --
vs πŸ‡­πŸ‡· Croatia FT 0 : 1 --
vs England 0 : 3 1%