Panama has officially unveiled its 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, with head coach Thomas Christiansen announcing the roster during a press conference. The Central American nation is set to compete on the global stage, and the selection includes a blend of seasoned veterans and key contributors, headlined by former Marseille defender Amir Murillo.
Murillo, who gained valuable experience in Ligue 1, is expected to be a cornerstone of Panama's backline. His inclusion was widely anticipated, given his consistent performances for the national team and his familiarity with high-pressure environments. The 28-year-old’s leadership will be crucial as Panama navigates a challenging group.
Another notable name is Adalberto Carrasquilla, whose fitness had been a subject of doubt leading up to the announcement. The midfielder has been deemed fit enough to travel, providing a boost to Panama’s midfield options. Carrasquilla’s technical ability and composure on the ball are vital assets for a team that will likely need to withstand sustained pressure from opponents.
Perhaps the most surprising call-up is 38-year-old Alberto Quintero. The veteran attacker brings a wealth of experience, having been part of multiple qualifying campaigns. His inclusion suggests that Christiansen values his big-game temperament and ability to make an impact off the bench or in specific tactical scenarios. Quintero’s presence adds a layer of cunning to a squad that will be underdogs in most fixtures.
On the other hand, two promising 18-year-olds—Kadir Barria of Botafogo and Josué Vergara of Auda—were left out of the final cut. While both have shown potential at club level, the coaching staff opted for more established players, prioritizing readiness for immediate challenges over future development. This decision underscores the pragmatic approach Panama is adopting for a tournament where every match is a must-win.
Panama has been drawn into a formidable group alongside England, Croatia, and Ghana. Facing two European heavyweights and a strong African side, the path to the knockout stage is steep. The team will need to be at its best defensively and capitalize on set-pieces and counter-attacks to have any hope of progressing.
To prepare for the rigors of group play, Panama has scheduled a series of high-profile friendlies. They will first take on five-time world champions Brazil, providing a stern test of their defensive organization. Subsequent matches against the Dominican Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina offer opportunities to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion before the main event.
The World Cup campaign for Panama officially begins on June 17, when they face Ghana in their opening match. This fixture is likely the most winnable of the group on paper, meaning a positive result could be imperative for any chance of advancing. Ghana, with its own blend of physicality and skill, will be a tough opponent, and Panama must hit the ground running.
Christiansen’s squad selection reflects a no-nonsense approach. By leaning on experienced figures like Murillo and Quintero, and ensuring the inclusion of a potentially injured Carrasquilla, the coach is signaling that he will not take risks on unproven youth. The omission of Barria and Vergara, despite their talents, indicates that the immediate priority is competitiveness rather than long-term building.
For Panama, this World Cup represents a rare opportunity to showcase their growth on the world stage. The last time they qualified was in 2018, and though they exited in the group stage, the experience was invaluable. With a more seasoned core and a tactically aware manager, there is cautious optimism that they can spring a surprise or two, especially against Ghana.
The friendlies against Brazil and Bosnia will be critical in assessing the team’s readiness and identifying any areas that need last-minute adjustments. Christiansen will likely use these matches to finalize his starting eleven and develop the chemistry needed to execute a disciplined game plan under pressure.
As the countdown to June 17 begins, Panama fans will be hoping that their team can defy the odds and make a mark. The blend of experience and determination in the squad could be the recipe for a memorable tournament. Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
