Panama

Where to Watch – Streaming Options

ServiceTypeCostDetails
TVMax Free $0 Panama's primary official World Cup broadcaster. TVMax airs all Los Canaleros national team fixtures free-to-air, including Group L matches vs Ghana (June 17, Toronto), vs Croatia (June 23, Toronto) and vs England (June 27, New York). Panama's third World Cup appearance. Available via standard TV reception and the TVMax website. No subscription required.
Tigo Sports Paid Included with Tigo plan Official paid rights holder for extended World Cup coverage in Panama beyond TVMax's free-to-air selection. Available to Tigo cable and mobile subscribers. Streams all matches live via the Tigo Sports app on iOS and Android. Includes full tournament access and on-demand replays for every match.
DSports / DGO Paid Est. ~$15–20 USD/month DSports holds regional Central American pay-TV rights for all 104 World Cup matches. Available via DirecTV satellite or via the DGO streaming app on iOS, Android and Smart TVs — no dish required. The most complete option for Panamanian fans who want every single match including those not on TVMax or Tigo Sports.
Panama National Football Team – FIFA Ranking #33 · World Cup 2026
FIFA Ranking
#33[1]
World Cup Appearances
2018 · 2026
Best Result
Group Stage
2018 · 2026

Country

  • CapitalPanama City
  • Population~4.4 million
  • ContinentNorth America (Central America)
  • ConfederationCONCACAF
  • National associationFEPAFUT – Federación Panameña de Fútbol

World Cup history

  • Titles: 0
    Panama has never won the FIFA World Cup
  • Total appearances: 2[2]
    Panama's rapid rise is one of CONCACAF's great stories — from zero World Cups to back-to-back appearances in under a decade
  • 2018
    World Cup debut — historical
    Panama's first-ever World Cup appearance — they scored their first-ever goal against England through Felipe Baloy, to national celebration
  • 2023
    CONCACAF Gold Cup finalists[3]
    Reached the Gold Cup final — the strongest indication yet that Panama have become a consistent and respected force in CONCACAF football
  • 2026
    Consecutive qualification
    Qualified strongly through CONCACAF — Panama return as one of the region's most organised and physically competitive sides

Head coach

TC
Thomas Christiansen
Since 2019[4]

Danish-Spanish manager who has built Panama into one of CONCACAF's most reliable and consistent qualifiers. Has established a clear, disciplined defensive identity built around physical intensity, collective organisation and hard-won results. His long-term influence has transformed Panama into a nation that expects to qualify for every World Cup.[5]

Key players

Striker

Rolando Blackburn ↗

Physical and powerful striker who leads the line with strength, determination and an aerial threat. Panama's focal point in attack — holds up play, brings others into the game and contributes the goals when his team needs them most.

Winger

César Yanis ↗

Creative winger who provides pace, skill and a goal threat in the final third. One of Panama's most technically gifted players — capable of creating chances and producing match-winning moments from wide areas.

Winger

Édgar Bárcenas ↗

Versatile and experienced winger with a wealth of international appearances for Panama. Brings directness, quality and the ability to deliver consistent performances on the flanks in the biggest matches.

Goalkeeper

Luis Mejía ↗

Reliable and experienced goalkeeper who has been a consistent, commanding presence throughout qualifying. A key reason Panama keep clean sheets — his organisation and shot-stopping have been central to Christiansen's defensive system.

Midfielder

Adalberto Carrasquilla ↗

Energetic and technically capable central midfielder who drives the team forward and contributes to build-up play. Brings the work rate, technical quality and commitment that defines Panama's collective identity.

© 2026 Panama Football Team Profile