#45
FIFA Ranking
2
WC Appearances
Group Stage
Best Finish
2018
Last World Cup
Road to the 2026 World Cup
Panama secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the North/Central America qualification pathway. As a CONCACAF representative, they were among 6 teams from their confederation to earn a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Currently ranked #45 in the FIFA World Rankings, Panama enters the tournament as a underdog team with expectations to compete at the highest level. With 2 previous World Cup appearances, they bring valuable tournament experience.
Group L Analysis
Panama has been drawn in Group L and will face three opponents in the group stage. Each team plays 3 matches, with the top 2 advancing automatically and 8 best third-place teams also qualifying for the Round of 32.
Group L Opponents
England
FIFA Ranking: #4 • Elite opponent
Croatia
FIFA Ranking: #10 • Elite opponent
Ghana
FIFA Ranking: #63 • Challenging opponent
Group L Fixtures for Panama
Match 68
Jun 17, 2026
Ghana
vs.
Panama
BMO Field, Toronto
Match 70
Jun 23, 2026
Panama
vs.
Croatia
BMO Field, Toronto
Match 71
Jun 27, 2026
Panama
vs.
England
MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
Tournament Outlook
Realistic Expectations
Compete hard in every match and aim to pick up points. Finishing third with a chance at advancement or causing an upset would exceed expectations.
Best-Case Scenario
Pull off surprising results and sneak into the knockout stage as a third-place qualifier. World Cups reward teams that fight until the final whistle.
Key Challenges
Facing technically superior opponents and managing the physical demands of tournament football. Staying organized defensively while creating goal-scoring opportunities will be key.
Can Panama Win the World Cup?
Panama faces long odds to win the World Cup, but the beauty of tournament football is that any team can have their moment. The expanded 48-team format gives more nations the opportunity to compete and potentially cause upsets.
For Panama, success in 2026 means competing with pride, gaining valuable experience, and potentially picking up points or even advancing from the group stage. Every journey starts somewhere, and participation in the World Cup is a significant achievement in itself.
World Cup History
Panama has appeared in 2 FIFA World Cup tournaments, demonstrating their status as a consistent qualifier on the global stage.
Their best result was Group Stage, representing their peak performance at the World Cup to date.
They last competed in the 2018 World Cup. As recent participants, they bring current tournament experience to 2026.
As a relatively new participant in World Cup history, Panama is still writing their story on the global stage.
Predict Panama's Tournament Journey
Build your complete World Cup 2026 bracket: rank all 12 groups, select third-place qualifiers, and pick your champion. Free, no login required.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Panama play at World Cup 2026?▾
Panama will play their first group stage match on June 17, 2026 against Ghana. All three group stage matches will be completed by late June 2026, with knockout stage dates depending on their final group position.
Who is in Group L with Panama?▾
Panama has been drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia and Ghana. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top 2 teams automatically advancing to the Round of 32 and the 8 best third-place teams also qualifying.
What is Panama's best World Cup finish?▾
Panama's best World Cup finish is Group Stage. They will be looking to improve on this result at the 2026 tournament.
Can Panama win the World Cup 2026?▾
While Panama faces long odds to win the tournament outright, football is known for its surprises. Their realistic goal for 2026 is to advance from the group stage and gain momentum in the knockout rounds. Success builds over time, and a strong showing in 2026 could set the foundation for future World Cup campaigns. Every underdog story starts somewhere.