How the Panama National Football Team got to the 2026 World Cup, its history, and its most important players
The Panama national football team has become a source of pride and hope for the whole country.
From being a small football-playing country to going to the FIFA World Cup for the first time, Panama’s trip has been full of passion, hard work.
And moments that will stay with them forever. Fan groups all over Panama are thinking big again as the team gets ready for the 2026 World Cup.
We will talk about the team’s past, its most famous players, and what lies ahead on the way to the next World Cup.
A Look Back: The Panama National Football Team’s Past
In 1938, the Panama national football team played its first game against another country. The team didn’t have much success for a long time and wasn’t seen as a big force in world football.
At that time, baseball was the most-watched sport in the country.
In the early 2000s, things began to change. In regional competitions like the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Panama started to do better. When they made it to the Gold Cup final in 2005, that was the team’s biggest early win.
Even though they lost to the US in a penalty shootout, Panama showed that they could play with the best teams in the area.
A new group of football players and fans were inspired by this success.
The 2018 World Cup was a dream come true.
October 10, 2017, was the most important day in Panama sports history. In a thrilling game, Panama beat Costa Rica 2-1 to make it to their first FIFA World Cup.
When captain Román Torres scored the winning goal, there were huge cheers all over the country. The next day was even made a public holiday by the government.
In 2018, Panama played in Russia. They were in Group G with England, Belgium, and Tunisia. Even though they lost all three games
They were still proud of what they did. Panama’s first World Cup goal came against England and was scored by veteran defender Felipe Baloy.
The best football players in Panama’s history
They’ve had a lot of good players over the years. Some have stopped playing, but others are still going strong. Take a look at some of the most important names.
Players with legends
A lot of goals have been scored by Blas Pérez for Panama. Known for being strong and in charge.
It was Luis Tejada who scored many important goals. He was a strong forward.
Felipe Baloy was Panama’s captain in 2018 and scored the country’s first World Cup goal.
The dependable goalie Jaime Penedo helped Panama make it to the World Cup.
Right Now’s Star Players
Aníbal Godoy – A smart and skilled defender who is very important to the defense. Michael Murillo is a right back who plays in Europe and is quick and skilled.
Adalberto Carrasquilla is a young midfielder who is very skilled and has great sense. José Fajardo is a shooter on the rise who has scored some big goals recently.
A New Era is Being Built by Coach Thomas Christiansen
Thomas Christiansen has been coaching the Panama national football team since 2020. He used to play football and teach in Europe. The team has changed the way they play since he took over as coach.
Panamá no longer just focuses on defense and counterattacking; they also work on teamwork, ball control, and offensive football.
A lot of young players have also been brought in by Christiansen. His goal is to make the team better for the long term, not just for now.
Panama made it to the playoffs of the 2023 Gold Cup and beat the USA in the Nations League with his help. These are signs that the team is getting better and can now play against countries that are stronger.
How to Get to the 2026 World Cup
This year, the United States, Canada, and Mexico will host the FIFA World Cup. Since these countries are hosting, they immediately meet the requirements. For other teams in CONCACAF, like Panama, that means there are more spots open.
Panama has a better chance of making it again.
How to Get Qualified
The first games will be played in 2025. Teams will be put into groups, and they will play games to win points. The best teams in each group move on to the next round. For the last few spots, some teams will also go to the playoffs.
With more spots open, Panama fans are hoping that the team can make it to the World Cup a second time.
Panama’s Good Points and Bad Points
Why Panama Can Qualify Again: Experienced Players Leaders on the field are players like Godoy and Murillo. Young Talent: Rising stars like Carrasquilla are getting better quickly.
Coach Christiansen has done a great job of making the team more current and organized. Team Spirit: Panama is known for always putting up a good fight.
Problems They Have: Not enough backups—If the best players get hurt, the backups don’t have as much experience. Competitors that are tough—teams like Canada, Jamaica, and El Salvador are also getting better.
For Panama to win big games, they still need more people who can score goals. They have a great chance of going back to the World Cup if they can stay healthy and improve their attack.
What Panama Thinks About the World Cup
Panamá football is more than just a game now. It brings people together. The streets are full of red-clad fans singing and waving flags when their team plays.
The country had more fun than ever during the 2018 World Cup. It wasn’t just about goals or wins; it was about being a part of the football family around the world. Now, as the World Cup in 2026 draws near.
Last Thoughts
The football team from Panama has come a long way. A team that didn’t have much foreign success became a proud World Cup nation. This shows what passion and hard work can do.
Panama is ready to play for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They have smart coaches, strong leaders, and some exciting new players. People all over the country will watch, cheer, and believe.
Whether you’ve been a fan of Panama football for a long time or this is your first time, now is the best time to support La Marea Roja, also known as “The Red Tide.”
