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Panama faces the prospect of a tough World Cup campaign, with their second appearance at the tournament looking set to mirror the disappointment of 2018, when they lost all three group-stage matches, including a heavy 6-1 defeat to England. Should they suffer a sixth consecutive World Cup loss this Saturday, they would match the record for the longest unbroken losing streak in the competition’s history. Despite their early exit from contention, Panama’s squad remains determined to play with pride, drawing on their experience as the tournament’s oldest and most-capped team.
Five players have been highlighted by BBC Sport as potentially pivotal in Panama’s efforts to challenge England and possibly create an upset. One such player is midfielder Adalberto ‘Coco’ Carrasquilla, currently with UNAM in Mexico. Carrasquilla, 27, is arguably Panama’s most crucial figure, though he has yet to feature in the tournament due to a thigh injury sustained in May. Recent signs suggest he might be ready to participate in some form. Known for his ability to control the game’s tempo and his creative play, Carrasquilla became the first Panamanian to receive the Concacaf men’s player of the year award in 2024. Interestingly, before fully committing to football, he trained as a hairdresser and occasionally still cuts hair during visits to his hometown, but he vowed to shave his distinctive locks only if Panama were to win the World Cup.
Another key figure in Panama’s lineup is 25-year-old central defender Jose Cordoba, who plays for Norwich City in England. Cordoba broke through steadily after a managerial change at his club, becoming an essential player for both club and country. He celebrated his 30th national cap in March by scoring his first international goal during a victory over South Africa. Known as the “Prince of Panama” at Norwich, Cordoba boasts powerful defensive skills and exceptional recovery speed. His strong performances have been especially notable since Philippe Clement took over as Norwich’s head coach in late 2025, with Cordoba leading Championship centre-backs in ball recoveries per game that season.
Midfielder Cristian Martinez, playing for Israeli club Kiryat Shmona, has impressed with his energy and determination throughout this World Cup. At 29, Martinez, nicknamed “El Fulo” for his platinum hair, was initially uncertain to start but seized his opportunity. During the match against Croatia, he made history as the first Panamanian to earn FIFA’s man-of-the-match honor in a World Cup game. Head coach Thomas Christiansen praised him, saying, “Cristian was spectacular. He scored numbers [in various metrics] we hadn’t seen in six years.” Martinez’s recent performances reflect a return to a more attacking role, reminiscent of his early career before transitioning to a central midfield position. After a stint with MLS side Columbus Crew in the United States at 19, Martinez has spent the last two seasons in Israel, having also experienced time in Spain.
Michael Amir Murillo and Cecilio Waterman round out the key players for Panama. Murillo, a 30-year-old wing-back with Turkish club Besiktas, brings vast experience with 95 caps and participation in both the major European leagues and Panama’s 2018 World Cup campaign. Despite a challenging spell at Marseille
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