Panama at the World Cup 2026: The Schedule, the History, and the Coffee to Brew for Every Match

By Juan Carlos Sosa | Boquete Coffee Traders

The World Cup is here, and this time Los Canaleros are in it. Panama at the World Cup 2026 is only our second appearance ever on football's biggest stage — and as a Panamanian father who remembers exactly where I was when we qualified for Russia in 2018, I can tell you the whole country is vibrating right now. In this post I will give you Panama's full Group L schedule, the history that makes the England match so special, and — because this is still a coffee blog — the right Panamanian coffee to brew for every match, delivered in 5 days wherever in the world you are watching from.

Panama at the World Cup 2026: How We Got Back

After missing out on Qatar 2022, Panama returned in style. Under coach Thomas Christiansen, the team went unbeaten through the final round of CONCACAF qualifying and finished top of its group, sealing direct qualification with a win over El Salvador in November 2025 that set off celebrations from Bocas del Toro to Darién. Panama arrives at this tournament as the highest-ranked side in Central America, led by forwards like Ismael Díaz, who finished as top scorer at the 2025 Gold Cup.

Panama's Group L Schedule

Panama drew one of the toughest groups in the tournament — England, Croatia, and Ghana. Here is when to set your alarm (and your kettle):

Panama vs Ghana — June 17, Toronto, 7:00 p.m. ET
Panama vs Croatia — June 23, Toronto, 7:00 p.m. ET
Panama vs England — June 27, New York/New Jersey, 5:00 p.m. ET

The England Rematch: Remember Felipe Baloy

If you are Panamanian, you already know why June 27 is circled in red. At Russia 2018, in our World Cup debut against England, captain Felipe Baloy scored Panama's first goal in World Cup history — and an entire nation celebrated a 6-1 defeat like a championship. Eight years later, we meet England again. Whatever happens on the pitch, that match deserves your best cup.

What to Brew for Each Match

Here is my match-day brewing plan, tested by a lifetime of watching fútbol with coffee in hand:

For the group stage with friends: a big, generous pot of Café Palo Alto — Panama's most beloved everyday Arabica. Hosting a full watch party across all three matches? The Palo Alto 4-Pack keeps the whole crew caffeinated with free shipping.

For nostalgia: Café Durán — the coffee every Panamanian grew up smelling in their grandmother's kitchen. If you are an expat watching from abroad, this is the taste of home in a cup.

For halftime speed: Café Unido Nespresso-compatible capsules — a proper Panamanian espresso in the time it takes to replay the highlights.

For the England match: this one calls for Geisha. Brew a Carmen Estate Geisha — a Best of Panama champion — or the Elida Estate Geisha Natural, and toast Felipe Baloy with the coffee that made Panama famous. New to Geisha? My flavor guide explains what to expect.

Not sure where to start? My guide to the best Panama coffee brands covers the full lineup.

The Full Watch Party Spread: Hot Sauce and Chocolate

Now let's be honest — no Panamanian watches fútbol on coffee alone. A proper watch party needs picante on the table. D'Elidas Habanero — Panama's #1 picante chombo since 1904 — belongs on the wings, the empanadas, and honestly everything else. If you want a homestyle alternative, Ivana Hot Sauce brings the Afro-Antillean ají chombo heat our Caribbean coast is famous for.

And for halftime sweets, keep it Panamanian: the I Love Panama Diablo bar is dark chocolate infused with ají chombo — chocolate that bites back, perfect for a tense match — while the Ron Abuelo 7 Años bar is the one to unwrap if we score. For sharing the sofa, Bocao Bocaitos are bite-sized bean-to-bar chocolate made for passing around. Browse the full I Love Panama Chocolate, Bocao, and Oro Moreno collections to build your spread.

Watching From Abroad? You're Not Alone

I know many of you reading this are Panamanians in the US, Canada, Germany, or Japan — or friends of Panama who fell in love with our country on a visit. The World Cup is when distance feels longest. A bag of coffee from home will not shrink the miles, but it helps. Every order is roasted to order in Panama and delivered in 5 days — in time for the next match. And yes, I will be in the US myself this month to attend a match in person. ¡Vamos Panamá!

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Panama play at the World Cup 2026?
Panama plays Ghana on June 17 in Toronto (7:00 p.m. ET), Croatia on June 23 in Toronto (7:00 p.m. ET), and England on June 27 in New York/New Jersey (5:00 p.m. ET).

Has Panama played in a World Cup before?
Yes — once. Panama made its World Cup debut at Russia 2018, where captain Felipe Baloy scored the country's first-ever World Cup goal against England. The 2026 tournament is Panama's second appearance.

Who is in Panama's World Cup 2026 group?
Panama is in Group L with England, Croatia, and Ghana.

How did Panama qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Panama topped its group in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying, going unbeaten under coach Thomas Christiansen and sealing qualification in November 2025.