Panama’s national team manager Thomas Christiansen has named a 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with defender Fidel Escobar among those selected. Escobar currently plays for Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica, and his inclusion has drawn some attention given his name’s historical connotations.
Alongside Escobar, the squad features familiar faces for Panama supporters, including Amir Murillo, Alberto Quintero, and Tomas Rodríguez. These players will be key as Panama prepares to compete against Ghana, Croatia, and England in the group stage. The squad announcement was made via the Panamanian Football Federation’s (FEPAFUT) official Twitter account on May 26th.
Panama’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup marks a significant achievement for the nation, as they join a small group of CONCACAF teams to secure a place in the expanded tournament. This will be only their second appearance in a World Cup, following their debut in the 2018 edition in Russia. The expanded format of the 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has allowed for more representation from the CONCACAF region.
Escobar’s inclusion is notable, though he may face challenges obtaining a visa for travel to the United States given the stringent immigration policies previously enacted. The selection of a squad featuring a blend of experienced players and emerging talents suggests Panama intends to be competitive in their challenging group. The team will hope to build on their previous World Cup experience and make a lasting impression on the global stage. This World Cup appearance provides an opportunity to showcase Panamanian football and inspire future generations of players.
