Panama qualified for their second World Cup through a competitive CONCACAF final round. Their 2018 debut in Russia — despite losing all three games — was a historic occasion for Central American football and the current squad carries that same passionate spirit.
Christiansen has built a resilient, well-organised unit that defends with discipline and relies on moments of individual quality to create chances. Against England, Croatia, and Ghana, Panama will need to be at their defensive best to claim points.
Key Player: Ismael Díaz
Panama's most dangerous attacking threat. His pace on the counter-attack and his ability to create chances from nothing make him the player Christiansen builds attacking moments around. Díaz's performances in CONCACAF competition have been consistently impressive.
Tactical Setup
Christiansen's 4-4-2 is compact and direct. Panama defend in two disciplined banks of four, look to win second balls, and hit long into their two strikers on the counter. Set pieces are a real threat given their physical presence in the box.
Tournament History
Second World Cup appearance. Panama's first qualification in 2018 was front-page news in the country. The second proves it was no accident — and this group will compete with heart.