New Tecumseth, Canada. The Panama national team is fine-tuning the final details of its preparation for the 2026 World Cup with a clear goal: to surpass what was achieved in Russia 2018 and write the most important chapter in the history of Panamanian soccer.

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Installed at the Nottawasaga Resort complex, north of Toronto, the team led by Thomas Christiansen is working intensely just a few days before their World Cup debut, scheduled for next June 17 against Ghana.

Winger César Yanis summarized the sentiment of the Panamanian dressing room by assuring that the team approaches the tournament with ambition, confidence, and the hope of competing at the highest level.

“We know it is a complicated group, but we want to make history, do things right, and go further than in 2018,” expressed Yanis during a press conference held this Wednesday at the Panamanian base camp.

Panama aims to break limits in Group L

Panama was placed in Group L alongside Ghana, England, and Croatia, a demanding group that represents one of the greatest challenges in the recent history of Panamanian soccer.

The first match against Ghana appears as a key opportunity for the Central American team’s aspirations before subsequently facing two European powerhouses.

“We know the kind of team they have, but we believe it is a match we can pull off,” stated Yanis regarding the opening duel.

The footballer also highlighted the atmosphere of concentration the team is experiencing in Ontario, where Panama decided to establish a base away from the media noise to focus completely on the competition.

“We are a bit isolated, but that will help us a lot. We are going to spend a lot of time together and that strengthens the group,” he explained.

Christiansen bets on experience and stability

For this second World Cup participation in Panama’s history, head coach Thomas Christiansen decided to maintain the core of players who have led the team’s competitive growth over the last few years.

The group features experienced footballers such as captain Aníbal Godoy, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Amir Murillo, Fidel Escobar, Yoel Bárcenas, and César Yanis himself.

After the press conference, the national team held a new training session under the supervision of Christiansen and his coaching staff, focused mainly on tactical adjustments ahead of the World Cup debut.

The illusion of surpassing Russia 2018

Panama will play just the second World Cup in its history after its debut in Russia 2018, a tournament where it fell in the group stage against Belgium, England, and Tunisia, although it managed to score its first World Cup goals.

Now, eight years later, the generation led by Christiansen seeks to take one more step and fight for an unprecedented qualification to a knockout round.

The immediate challenge will be Ghana. The great dream, to make history for an entire country.