Panama to the 2026 World Cup: Quintero leads the list, Carrasquilla OK

The Panamanian national soccer team has revealed the list of 26 players called up by Thomas Christiansen to represent the country in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement, made in Panama City, marks a crucial moment in the team’s preparation for the tournament.

The Return of a Legend

The call-up stands out for the return of midfielder Alberto ‘Negrito’ Quintero, a historic player for Panamanian soccer. His inclusion in the list represents a significant reinforcement for the team. Quintero, currently in the ranks of Plaza Amador, returns to the national team after a period of absence. His experience and leadership are important assets for the team. The list also includes key figures such as Adalberto ‘Coco’ Carrasquilla, whose participation generated uncertainty due to an injury, but was finally confirmed. The coach Thomas Christiansen has kept the core of the team that secured the World Cup spot, including players like Aníbal Godoy, Michael Amir Murillo, José Fajardo, and Cecilio Waterman.

The group’s commitment and the team’s competitiveness are key to surpassing the performance of Russia 2018.

Thomas ChristiansenThe presentation of the list took place on the steps of the Panama Canal Administration Building, an emblematic place for the country. The administrator of the Panama Canal, Ricaurte Vásquez, compared this moment to the historic celebration of December 31, 1999, highlighting the importance of the event for Panama. Panamá will debut on June 17 against Ghana at Toronto Stadium, in Canada, as part of Group L, which also includes Croatia and England.

Called up for the 2026 World Cup

• Goalkeepers: Orlando Mosquera, Luis Mejía, César Samudio
• Defenders: César Blackman, Jorge Gutiérrez, Michael Amir Murillo, José Córdoba, Fidel Escobar, Andrés Andrade, Edgardo Fariña, Eric Davis, Jiovanny Ramos, Roderick Miller
• Midfielders: Adalberto Carrasquilla, Aníbal Godoy, Christian Martínez, Edgar Yoel Bárcenas, Carlos Harvey, José Luis Rodríguez, César Yanis, Alberto Quintero, Azarías Londoño
• Forwards: Ismael Díaz, Cecilio Waterman, José Fajardo, Tomás Rodríguez

The team will play a series of preparatory friendlies against Brazil, Dominican Republic, and Bosnia and Herzegovina before settling into their base camp in Ontario. The Panamanian fans eagerly await their team’s participation in the World Cup, hoping to surpass the performance of Russia 2018.