Panama's Coach Faces Headache Over World Cup 2026 Squad

Panama has qualified for its second FIFA World Cup. Many players will return to the planet's biggest football event, and others will make their debut. However, head coach Thomas Christiansen now has a pleasant 'headache' — selecting the definitive list of players for the 2026 tournament. From the 23-player squad that traveled to the 2018 World Cup in Russia under then-coach Hernán 'El Bolillo' Gómez, only the defenders Fidel Escobar, Michael Amir Murillo, and Eric Davis were called up by Thomas Christiansen for the final stage of World Cup 2026 qualifying. In addition to the players from 2018, Christiansen will have the option to choose players from his process, as well as new names, to form the final squad for the 2026 event. On that occasion, 'El Bolillo' also called up three invited or reserve players: Miguel Camargo, Roberto Nurse (who rejected the offer), and Ricardo Ávila. The big question for coach Christiansen will be which players from Panama's first World Cup will catch his eye and make the cut for the 2026 tournament in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. In his statements after the qualification, the Danish-Spanish coach did not elaborate on his future beyond the 2026 World Cup, when his contract ends. For now, he invited everyone to celebrate the qualification, which was not easy, and made it clear that he wants to celebrate Christmas in Panama. During Thomas Christiansen's era, which has lasted at least 5 years at the helm of the Panama national team, many players have passed through his hands, in addition to others who have the experience of being at the 2018 World Cup. Midfielders: Édgar Yoel Bárcenas, Aníbal Godoy, José Luis 'Puma' Rodríguez, and Alberto 'Negrito' Quintero. Let's remember that 'Negrito' Quintero missed the 2018 World Cup due to injury just days before it started. Also, the forward Ismael Díaz. A good headache for the coach.