Panama 26: Christiansen Lists Godoy-Led Squad for Second World Cup, Fajardo and Puma Rodríguez Headline Attack
Thomas Christiansen has confirmed Panama's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. Captain Aníbal Godoy leads only the second Canalero campaign in history, eight years after the country's 2018 debut. Forward José Fajardo and winger Tomás "Puma" Rodríguez headline the attack as joint top scorers in qualifying. Panama open Group L against Ghana in Toronto on June 17 before meeting Croatia and pre-tournament favourites England.
P anama have named the 26 with which Thomas Christiansen will lead the Canaleros into a second World Cup, eight years after the country's 2018 debut. Captain Aníbal Godoy anchors a squad that has steadily moved Panama into the upper tier of Central American football, with finals appearances at the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2025 Nations League since the Russia 2018 group-stage exit. Group L brings Ghana, Croatia and pre-tournament favourites England.
A different Panama from 2018
The Russia 2018 group campaign produced zero points and no wins; the country was there to participate. Eight years on, Christiansen's side arrives with a different profile. Two recent CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League finals show that this group is not at the World Cup to fill a slot. Panama navigated two rounds of qualifying and finished as one of six CONCACAF representatives.
The full 26
Goalkeepers (3): Orlando Mosquera (Al-Fayha), Luis Mejía (Club Nacional), César Samudio (CD Marathón). Defenders (10): César Blackman (Slovan Bratislava), Jorge Gutiérrez (Deportivo La Guaira), Amir Murillo (Beşiktaş), Fidel Escobar (Deportivo Saprissa), Andrés Andrade (LASK), Edgardo Fariña (Pari Nizhniy Novgorod), José Córdoba (Norwich City), Eric Davis (CD Plaza Amador), Jiovani Ramos (Academia Puerto Cabello), Roderick Miller (Turan Tovuz). Midfielders (9): Aníbal Godoy (San Diego FC), Adalberto Carrasquilla (UNAM Pumas), Carlos Harvey (Minnesota United), Cristian Martínez (Ironi Kiryat Shmona), José Luis Rodríguez (FC Juárez), César Yanis (CD Cobresal), Yoel Bárcenas (Mazatlán FC), Alberto Quintero (CD Plaza Amador), Azarías Londoño (CD Universidad Católica). Forwards (4): Ismael Díaz (Club León), Cecilio Waterman (Universidad de Concepción), José Fajardo (CD Universidad Católica), Tomás Rodríguez (Deportivo Saprissa).
Godoy at the centre
Aníbal Godoy is the captain and the connecting line between the 2018 generation and the current side. The San Diego FC midfielder steers Panama from the central area and remains the senior reference point under Christiansen. Around him, Adalberto Carrasquilla at UNAM Pumas and Minnesota United's Carlos Harvey carry the heavier ball-circulation load.
Fajardo and Puma Rodríguez headline the attack
Forward José Fajardo and winger Tomás "Puma" Rodríguez were the joint top scorers of Panama's qualifying campaign. Both travel into Group L with the responsibility of converting Panama's chances against teams that will hold most of the ball. Cecilio Waterman remains a senior striker option; Carlos Harvey, the Minnesota United midfielder, has flourished under Christiansen's setup and is one of the brighter young pieces.
Group L and the schedule
Panama open against Ghana in Toronto at 19:00 EDT on June 17, face Croatia in Toronto at 19:00 EDT on June 23, and close against England in East Rutherford on June 27 at 17:00 EDT. England arrive as the seeded contender and tournament favourite; Croatia bring the Modrić-era core for a likely final outing; Ghana arrive in transition. Panama's realistic path to the new 32-team knockout bracket runs through second place, which probably needs at least a win or draw against Ghana plus a result against Croatia.
Quick facts
Captain: Aníbal Godoy. Head coach: Thomas Christiansen. World Cup appearances including 2026: 2. Best result: group stage (Russia 2018).
Reporting: FEPAFUT / Olympics.com, May 26, 2026.