Panama is a baseball country. At least, that is what everyone used to say. But if you walk through the streets of Panama City today, specifically near the Estadio Rommel Fernández, you will see a different reality. The Panama men's national soccer team has effectively hijacked the national identity. It is no longer just a "Cinderella story" from the 2018 World Cup.
Honestly, the team is currently undergoing its most significant evolution since its founding in 1937. As of January 2026, Los Canaleros aren't just participating; they are dominating the Central American conversation. They recently punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing at the top of their qualifying group ahead of gritty competitors like Suriname and Guatemala.
The Thomas Christiansen Revolution
When Thomas Christiansen took over in 2020, people were skeptical. A Danish-born coach with a Spanish background trying to implement a high-press, possession-based system in a region known for "Catenaccio-lite" and physical play? It sounded like a recipe for a quick firing.
Instead, he stayed. The federation stuck by him even after they missed out on Qatar 2022. That patience paid off. Under Christiansen, the Panama men's national soccer team has reached the finals of the 2023 Gold Cup and the 2025 Nations League. He has basically turned a group of athletic but tactically raw players into a cohesive, European-style unit.
The tactical shift is obvious. They don't just "boot and run" anymore. They build from the back. You'll see defenders like José Córdoba (now making waves at Norwich City) and Amir Murillo (Marseille) playing with a level of composure that was unheard of ten years ago.
Why the 2026 Cycle Feels Different
In November 2025, Panama officially qualified for the 48-team World Cup. They didn't need a miracle goal this time, unlike Román Torres’ legendary strike in 2017. They did it with a 3-0 demolition of El Salvador.
📖 Related: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
This squad is deeper. Take a look at the January 2026 roster. Christiansen is currently experimenting with a 22-man group for friendlies against Bolivia and Mexico. He isn't just relying on the "Old Guard." He is integrating kids like 18-year-old Kadir Barria, who has been tearing it up at Botafogo in Brazil.
Barria is the perfect example of the "new" Panama. He’s fast, sure, but he’s also technically gifted enough to survive in the Brazilian league. When he scored those two goals off the bench against Sport late last year, every scout in Europe started updated their spreadsheets.
Key Players You Should Actually Watch
Forget the names from 2018 for a second. While Aníbal Godoy is still the captain and the heartbeat of the locker room at 35 years old, the engine room has changed.
Adalberto "Coco" Carrasquilla is the real deal. If you haven't watched him in MLS or for the national team, you're missing out on the best midfielder in Central America. He sees passes three seconds before they happen. During the 2025 qualifying run, he was the one making sure Panama never lost their shape.
Then you have the "Dynamic Duo" up front:
👉 See also: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
- José Fajardo: He ended 2025 as one of the top scorers in qualifying. He's physical and knows how to occupy two defenders at once.
- José Luis Rodríguez: Often called "Puma," he provides the width and the flair that keeps opposing fullbacks awake at night.
The "Baseball Country" Myth
People still think Panama doesn't care about soccer. Wrong.
The stadium atmosphere at the Rommel Fernández is now one of the most hostile in CONCACAF. It’s loud. It’s humid. It’s incredibly intimidating. The team has leveraged this "home-field advantage" to remain unbeaten at home during the entire 2026 qualifying cycle.
But it hasn't all been sunshine and parades. The Panamanian Football Association (FEPAFUT) has dealt with its share of drama. President Manuel Arias Corco faced FIFA disciplinary proceedings in late 2025, which briefly threatened to overshadow the team's on-field success.
Yet, the players seem insulated from the suit-and-tie chaos. They play with a chip on their shoulder. They know they are the lone representative from Central America in the 2026 World Cup (given the automatic qualification of the US, Mexico, and Canada). That carries weight.
The Road Ahead: Group L
The draw for the 2026 World Cup has been... interesting. Panama is tucked into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Ghana.
✨ Don't miss: Why Isn't Mbappe Playing Today: The Real Madrid Crisis Explained
It’s a nightmare group on paper.
- England: Perennial favorites with world-class depth.
- Croatia: The team that refuses to die, led by a seemingly immortal midfield.
- Ghana: A physical, fast powerhouse from the CAF region.
Most analysts will pick Panama to finish fourth. They’ll say the Panama men's national soccer team is just happy to be there. But those people haven't watched them play since they lost 6-1 to England in 2018. This isn't that team. They are older, wiser, and significantly better at keeping the ball.
Actionable Strategy for Following the Team
If you want to keep tabs on their progress leading up to the June 17 opener against Ghana, here is how you should handle it:
- Watch the January 22 Friendly: Panama takes on Mexico at the Rommel Fernández. This isn't a "friendly" in the traditional sense. It's a measuring stick. If Panama can control the midfield against Mexico's domestic-based stars, they are ready for the World Cup.
- Monitor the European Transfers: Keep an eye on players like Kevin Galván and Carlos Harvey. If they move to higher-tier European leagues in the winter window, it signals a massive boost in the squad's overall quality.
- Follow the Youth Integration: Watch for Kadir Barria’s minutes. If Christiansen starts him against Bolivia on January 18, it means he’s being fast-tracked for a starting role in the World Cup.
The Panama men's national soccer team has spent decades in the shadow of giants. They’ve survived "the Aztecazo" and the heartbreak of 2014. Now, they aren't looking for respect; they’re looking for points. Whether they can actually get them against the likes of England remains to be seen, but betting against them has become a very expensive mistake for their rivals.