In our next Fantasy FIFA World Cup 2026 team preview, we turn our attention to Panama.
Los Canaleros face a tough ask in Group L, but they arrive at the World Cup after going unbeaten in CONCACAF qualifying.
In these country-by-country guides, we’ll be looking at the best players from each nation, reviewing the road to the World Cup and more.
SQUAD
Panama have named an experienced squad for the World Cup, with 13 of their players 30-years-old or over.
None of these 26 squad players are based in Europe’s top five leagues.
However, Thomas Christiansen has mostly retained the group that led Panama through CONCACAF qualifying, going unbeaten in the process.
THE ROAD TO QUALIFICATION
Panama recorded seven wins and three draws in qualifying.
After triumphing over Guyana, Montserrat, Belize and Nicaragua in the Second Round, they went on to seal top spot in the Final Round, successfully fending off Suriname, Guatemala and El Salvador:
Panama’s qualification was based on a robust defence, with six clean sheets in 10 matches.
BIGGEST GOAL THREATS IN QUALIFICATION
Jose Luis Rodriguez ($5.6m) and Jose Fajardo ($4.7m) were Panama’s joint-top scorers in qualifying, with three goals each.
Fajardo led the way for shots (20) and non-penalty expected goals (NPxG, 4.23).
However, he isn’t predicted to be part of Christiansen’s first XI in Round 1, with Cecilio Waterman ($5.0m) expected to get the nod up top.
MOST CREATIVE PLAYERS IN QUALIFYING
Amir Murillo ($5.0m) came out on top for expected assists (xA, 2.36).
However, fellow wing-back Eric Davis ($3.9m) – who is notably much cheaper – had the superior number of key passes (17), despite playing fewer minutes.
He was helped by a role on set plays, with four key passes from corners.
SINCE QUALIFICATION
| Date | Opposition | Result (Panama first) | Goalscorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 January 2026 | Bolivia (a) | 1-1 | Barria |
| 22 January 2026 | Mexico (h) | 0-1 | |
| 27 March 2026 | South Africa (a) | 1-1 | Barcenas |
| 31 March 2026 | South Africa (a) | 2-1 | Cordoba, Ramos |
| 31 May 2026 | Brazil (a) | 2-6 | Cunha OG, Harvey |
| 3 June 2026 | Dominican Republic (h) | 4-2 | Rodriguez, Dollenmayer OG, Waterman, Barria |
| 6 June 2026 | Bosnia and Herzegovina (h) | 1-1 | Ramos |
Panama started the year with a draw against Bolivia, followed by a narrow defeat to Mexico.
In March, they played two friendly matches in South Africa, where a heavily rotated team managed to draw and then secure a 2-1 victory.
More recently, Panama suffered a heavy 6-2 defeat to Brazil. However, they have since beaten the Dominican Republic and achieved a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
These friendlies have proven to be quite chaotic, with mass rotation and numerous goals scored at both ends of the pitch.
WORLD CUP FIXTURES
Panama face a tricky group, with the opening match against Ghana probably their most winnable game.
Fixtures against Croatia and England follow, who are ranked 11th and fourth respectively in the FIFA World Rankings.
Qualification from Group L would consequently represent a major achievement for Los Canaleros.
TOP FANTASY PICKS
It’s therefore hard to make a case for any Panama players in World Cup Fantasy.
However, if you decide to invest, $3.9m Eric Davis is arguably the standout option. Panama were at least organised in qualifying, and the wing-back has the potential to take penalties and corners this summer.
Christiansen’s men carried a bit of a threat from dead-ball situations in qualifying, too, ranking fifth among all North and Central American CONCACAF nations for set-piece xG.
Another wing-back, Amir Murillo is on direct free-kicks, but he’s been priced up at $5.0m!
Back in training, he offers plenty of pace and width down the right flank.
Goals are probably going to be hard to come by, but veteran forward Cecilio Waterman ($5.0m) is at least cheap and scored in the recent friendly against the Dominican Republic.
It goes without saying that every Panama player will qualify for the Scouting Bonus.
