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 coach Thomas Christiansen to represent the country in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement, made in Panama City, marks a significant moment for Panamanian soccer.

The Return of an Icon: Alberto ‘Negrito’ Quintero

The call-up stands out for the return of midfielder Alberto ‘Negrito’ Quintero, a historical figure in Panamanian football. His inclusion in the list is a highly significant event, especially after missing the last World Cup due to an injury suffered in a friendly match. Quintero, currently a player for Plaza Amador, brings experience and leadership to the team. His presence reinforces the team’s core that achieved qualification for the World Cup, along with key players such as Adalberto ‘Coco’ Carrasquilla, Aníbal Godoy, Michael Amir Murillo, José Fajardo, and Cecilio Waterman.

The coach highlighted the group’s commitment and assured that the list responds “to the footballing moment, to the team’s balance and to the squad’s competitive capacity, with the aim that Panama surpasses its performance in the 2018 Russia World Cup.”

Thomas Christiansen

The presentation of the list took place at a special event on the steps of the Panama Canal Administration Building. 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 the country.

Preparation and Expectations for the World Cup

Panamá will debut on June 17 against Ghana at Toronto Stadium, in Canada, within Group L, which also includes Croatia and England. The team will play a series of preparatory friendlies against Brazil, Dominican Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina before establishing its base camp in Ontario. The Panamanian fans eagerly await this new participation in the World Cup, dreaming of surpassing the performance of Russia 2018.

List of Call-ups

• 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

With the inclusion of Alberto Quintero, Panama seeks to strengthen its attack and leadership for its second participation in a World Cup.