Panama squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup: Quintero included, Barria missing; Complete list of players

Panama on Tuesday named an experienced squad for the World Cup, with captain Anibal Godoy and midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, as Thomas Christiansen’s side prepare for the finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Panama only secured qualification for its second World Cup after victory over El Salvador sealed its place at the tournament from June 11 to July 19, eight years after its debut in Russia.

Christiansen retained the core of the squad that guided Panama through CONCACAF qualifying, with veteran midfielder Godoy expected to lead the team alongside Pumas UNAM midfielder Carrasquilla, who was included despite suffering an injury in Sunday’s Liga MX final defeat to Cruz Azul.

Veteran striker Alberto Quintero was also included in the squad after missing the 2018 World Cup due to injury, while the omission of Botafogo midfielder Kadir Barria was one of the notable absences from Christiansen’s final list.

“We want to make history, we want to do something great and improve on what we did before,” Christiansen said during the selection presentation in the Panama Canal administration building.

«We must support the 26 players selected for this World Cup. It is a source of pride to represent this national team.»

Panama will face Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina in warm-up matches before traveling to Canada to establish its World Cup base camp in New Tecumseth, Ontario.

The country will open their Group L campaign against Ghana on June 17 before facing England and Croatia, while Panama look to improve on their World Cup debut in 2018, when they exited the group stage without earning a point.

Published on May 26, 2026