In the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Panama national football team made their first-ever appearance at the tournament, exiting at the group stage. The team failed to progress beyond the group phase and, across their World Cup history to date, have not recorded a victory, having lost all three of their matches while scoring a total of two goals.
Panama have once again qualified for the FIFA World Cup, returning with renewed ambition. The current squad is described as strong, featuring 28-year-old striker Ismael Diaz, who is regarded as a key attacking figure for the national side. Diaz, who grew up in conditions marked by intense heat and high humidity, has consistently viewed football as more than a sport, but as a demanding life path shaped by hardship.
Diaz began his professional journey early, making his club football debut at the age of 15. He progressed quickly, earning his first international cap for Panama at the age of 17, in which he scored on his debut for the national team. He is now considered a central figure in Panama’s attacking structure.
In the upcoming World Cup, Panama have been drawn into a challenging group alongside England and Croatia, both established footballing powers. Despite the difficulty of the draw, Diaz has expressed confidence regarding the team’s approach and mentality.
He stated: “Many people are saying our group is very difficult. But I quite like it. When you play in the World Cup, you must compete against the best teams. We are not going there just to gain experience, we are going there to compete.”
He further added: “My biggest wish now is for Panama to achieve its first World Cup victory. If we can do it in the first match, our joy will have no limits. It would feel like a dream come true. We will try our best. The rest will be decided on match day.”
Reflecting on his background, Diaz said: “I used to play football on the streets with my brother and friends when I was young. We played barefoot. Our feet would get cut, we would get injured and bleed. But the next day we would go back out to play in the sun again. I have come to this position from those rough streets. When I look back, I feel those sacrifices shaped me into a better person and player.”
Panama World Cup Record and Key Details
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| First World Cup appearance | 2018 (Russia) |
| Matches played | 3 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Defeats | 3 |
| Goals scored | 2 |
| Key player | Ismael Diaz (Striker, 28 years old) |
| Current group opponents | England, Croatia |
Panama enter the tournament with the objective of competing at the highest level, with their historical record reflecting both experience gained and the continued pursuit of their first World Cup victory.