Panama

Panama's World Cup story is short but treasured. After decades as a hard-running, hard-to-beat presence in the Central American game, Los Canaleros finally broke through to their first World Cup in 2018, a qualification that set off celebrations the country still talks about. That debut in Russia ended without a win, but it transformed expectations at home — and 2026 is the chance to write the second chapter with a more seasoned, more confident squad.

Group L is about as glamorous as it gets for a returning side. England arrive as one of the tournament's perennial heavyweights, Croatia have been a fixture in the deep rounds of recent World Cups thanks to a midfield culture few nations can match, and Ghana bring the athleticism and tournament pedigree of one of Africa's most decorated football nations. Panama are the outsiders on paper, but they get to play this group in North America, close enough to home that the red shirts in the stands should be loud.

The schedule starts with the game that matters most: Ghana — 17 Jun 2026, 19:00 local at BMO Field, Toronto. Panama stay in the same stadium for Croatia — 23 Jun 2026, 19:00 local at BMO Field, Toronto (listed home), before closing against England — 27 Jun 2026, 17:00 local at MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey (listed home). Two matches in one city is a small logistical gift in a sprawling 48-team tournament.

Under the new format, the top two in Group L advance along with the eight best third-placed teams across the tournament, all heading into a Round of 32. That changes the math for a team like Panama: a statement result against Ghana plus a stubborn, low-concession performance against Croatia or England could genuinely be enough. Panama are still chasing their first World Cup victory — and this group, brutal as it looks, offers a real route to history.