Panama’s Christiansen Aims to Be the ‘Morocco of This World Cup’

Panama’s head coach Thomas Christiansen isn’t just dreaming of a tournament appearance — he’s setting his sights on making history. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming, Christiansen has boldly declared his ambition for his side to become the Morocco of this tournament, echoing the underdog magic that captivated the world in 2022.

The Central American nation, drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Ghana, will kick off their campaign against Ghana on June 17. To prepare, Panama has assembled a 26-man squad brimming with experience and grit — names like Alberto Quintero, Aníbal Godoy, and Adalberto Carrasquilla are back to lead the charge. Kadir Barria, however, has been left out of the final cut, a decision underscoring the high stakes of selection.

As they gear up for what promises to be a brutal group stage, Panama will base themselves in New Tecumseth, Ontario, during the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19. Before facing the giants of Group L, the team will test their mettle with friendly fixtures against Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Bosnia and Herzegovina — all designed to sharpen their game ahead of elite-level competition.

Christiansen’s blueprint is clear: emulate Morocco’s 2022 run — a campaign that saw the North Africans send shockwaves through football’s established order. Now, as Morocco themselves take the field in Group C, set to face Brazil on June 13, the ghosts of that unforgettable journey serve as both inspiration and benchmark.

For Panama, the dream isn’t just about survival. It’s about becoming the next global sensation — the team that defied the odds, silenced the critics, and reminded the world why football remains the beautiful game.