Panama

Panama have established themselves as Central America’s leading nation, a mantle they have wrestled off Costa Rica. In 2023 they lost in the final of the Gold Cup to Mexico and in March they lost in the final of the Nations League, also to Mexico.  

What to expect

Panama come into the 2025 Gold Cup with high expectations. But they also have a major problem as they well be without their standout player, Adalberto Carrasquilla, arguably the most influential player in the last two major Concacaf tournaments.

Coach Thomas Christiansen also knows that he has an aging team. Of his squad of 24 – all of whom play outside Panama – 17 of them were born before 2000. The flip side of that is that they have been playing together for a long time and Christianse has impressively honed them into a tactically fine-tuned unit.

In the group stage their biggest challenge will be Jamaica who on their day have the speed, power and flair to beat anyone, but match that with an equal ability to lose their shape as games progress. Christiansen will doubtless have a plan for that.

Panama have been a consistent presence in the Gold Cup, making 11 appearances as of 2023. The team has reached the final three times – 2005, 2013, and 2023 – but have yet to claim the championship.

In 2021, Panama endured a disappointing campaign, failing to advance past the group stage with a record of 0 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses.

The 2023 Gold Cup saw Panama deliver an impressive performance, advancing through the group and knockout stages with a dramatic semifinal victory over the United States, winning 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time.

In the final, Panama faced Mexico in a tightly contested sold-out SoFi Stadium, falling 1-0 to a late goal by Santiago Giménez in the 88th minute to finish as runners-up for the third time in their history.

2025 could be a turning point for this time, but it could go either way.

Star Players:

Aníbal Godoy (San Diego FC)

The heartbeat of Panama’s midfield and a true stalwart for Los Canaleros. Since his senior debut in 2010, Godoy has amassed nearly 150 caps and remains a calming, experienced presence at the core of Panama’s lineup.

José Luis Rodríguez (Juárez) – A dynamic midfielder and winger who thrives in attack, driving Panama forward with his pace and technical skill, regularly contributing to the scoresheet. He wil lhave the responsibility up stepping up to fill the creative gap in the absence of Carrasquilla.

Ismael Díaz (Universidad Católica)

Renowned for his explosive pace and clinical finishing, often Panama’s most dangerous forward and a constant threat to opposing defenses.

José Fajardo (Universidad Católica) – Panama’s active leading scorer with 15 international goals, the 32-year-old striker brings invaluable experience and a proven eye for goal as a reliable finisher and focal point in attack.

Head coach:

Thomas Christiansen was appointed manager of the Panama national team on July 23, 2020. Known for his pragmatic and tactically astute approach, Christiansen brings a calm and composed demeanor, prioritizing structured game plans over emotional motivation. He has guided Panama to significant milestones, including a runner-up finish at the 2023 Gold Cup and qualification for the 2024 Copa América.

Manager of Panama since 2020 he has been overseeing the team’s transition to a younger playing profile but it it is his old-stagers who are still running the show. A striker, he was the top scorer in the 2002-03 Bundesliga while with Bochum. Born in Denmark to a Spanish mother, he played his international football for Spain as an U21 and winning two full caps. His managerial career is just 10 years old and has included spells at Leeds United and Union Berlin before he took the Panama job.

Schedule

• June 16, 2025: vs Guadeloupe (GC) – Los Angeles, Dignity Health
• June 20, 2025: vs Guatemala (GC) – Austin, Q2 Stadium
• June 24, 2025: vs Jamaica (GC) – Austin, Q2 Stadium

 Squad: