World Cup 2026: Five Panama players to watch against England
As Panama look to salvage pride in their final World Cup group game, we highlight five key players aiming to challenge England.
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Panama's 2026 World Cup campaign has been challenging, with the team facing early elimination after two losses. As they prepare for their final Group L fixture against England, the squad is playing for pride, aiming to avoid a sixth consecutive World Cup defeat.
A major focus is the return of Adalberto Carrasquilla. The 2024 Concacaf men's player of the year has been sidelined with a thigh injury but is expected to feature against England. His ability to control the tempo and drive the team forward makes him the side's primary creative outlet.
Defensively, Jose Cordoba remains a vital component. Known as the 'Prince of Panama' at Norwich City, the defender has flourished under new management, consistently ranking among the best for ball recoveries. His recovery pace will be crucial against the attacking depth of England.
Midfielder Cristian Martinez has also been a standout, providing energy and tenacity that earned him a man-of-the-match award against Croatia. His recent form marks a successful return to a more advanced role. Alongside him, experienced wing-back Michael Amir Murillo brings a wealth of European experience and a resilient mentality to the defensive setup.
Veteran forward Cecilio Waterman rounds out the key figures. Despite recent internal tension, Waterman remains a regular contributor to the attack and will compete for a starting spot as Panama looks to make a final impact on the tournament stage.