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FIFA World Cup 2026

Panama emerges as Group L’s 'most underrated threat' at the 2026 World Cup

Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston warned against complacency after the draw. “Ghana is in a difficult group,” Kingston said. “I would advise the Black Stars not to underestimate Panama. Their qualification was no accident.”

,   and  Felipe Fernandes da Silva
2 min read
Anibal Godoy #20 of Panama heads the ball against the United States during the second half of a CONCACAF Nations League semifinal match at SoFi Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Panama may be the most underestimated team in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to former Ghana international Laryea Kingston, who warned that the Central American side represents a genuine competitive threat.

Following the draw, Ghana was placed in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. While England and Croatia arrive as established tournament forces, Kingston believes Panama reflects the rapid evolution of CONCACAF and should not be treated as a secondary opponent.

“Ghana is in a difficult group,” Kingston said. “I would advise the Black Stars not to underestimate Panama. Their qualification was no accident.”

Panama’s Momentum Is Real

Panama enters the tournament after a strong competitive cycle. Earlier this year, the team reached the CONCACAF Nations League final, defeating the United States in the semifinals with a stoppage-time goal before finishing as runner-up. They also advanced to the Copa América quarterfinals from a group that included Uruguay, Bolivia, and the U.S.

Those results underscore a broader transformation. Since their World Cup debut in 2018, Panama has rebuilt with improved tactical discipline, stronger defensive organization, and a player pool shaped largely by MLS and Liga MX. Their recent qualifying campaigns have shown resilience and maturity, including victories over higher-ranked opponents in decisive matches.

Tactical Identity and Key Players

Panama typically alternates between a 4-2-3-1 and a more conservative 5-4-1, prioritizing compact defensive lines and controlled transitions. The team’s main strength lies in midfield, where Cristian Martínez, Aníbal Godoy, and Adalberto Carrasquilla dictate tempo and provide structure.

Carrasquilla, now with Pumas UNAM after leaving Houston Dynamo, is the standout figure. Physically imposing yet technically refined, he combines calm decision-making with vertical passing and strong game intelligence. His ability to control rhythm could make him one of the tournament’s breakout midfielders.

Group L: No Room for Mistakes

  • England
  • Croatia
  • Panama
  • Ghana

Ghana schedule

  • June 17 — vs. Panama (Toronto)
  • June 23 — vs. England (Boston)
  • June 27 — vs. Croatia (Philadelphia)

Panama schedule

  • June 17 — vs. Ghana (Toronto)
  • June 23 — vs. Croatia (Toronto)
  • June 27 — vs. England (New Jersey)

The opening match between Ghana and Panama could prove decisive. A slip on Matchday 1 would immediately complicate qualification in a group with no margin for error.

Why Panama’s Rise in CONCACAF Matters

Panama’s growth reflects broader structural progress within CONCACAF:

  • More modern tactical organization
  • A squad seasoned in MLS and Liga MX
  • Improved defensive consistency compared to 2018
  • Experience in high-pressure knockout matches
  • A confederation benefiting from deeper competitive balance

With an expanded 48-team World Cup creating space for emerging nations, Panama fits the profile of a team capable of disrupting traditional hierarchies.

This will be Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, and expectations remain high for African teams. But Kingston’s message is clear: Panama is not arriving to make up the numbers — it is arriving to compete.

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