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World Cup 2026: Panama v England team news
Thomas Tuchel reiterated his belief that England are in a “very, very difficult” group after Ghana held his side to an attritional 0-0 draw on matchday two in Boston on Tuesday.
At 42nd in FIFA’s rankings, Panama are 23 places above the Black Stars but are out of contention to advance following 1-0 defeats in their first two games.
“I can tell everyone that Panama will not be easy,” head coach Tuchel warned ITV. “They are maybe the most unknown name but they were very, very good against Ghana.
“[The group] tests us in many different ways, which will help us once we go into [knockout matches].”
Counterpart Thomas Christiansen has been “hurt” by Panama’s losses but voiced pride in his players, who he feels have boosted their careers.
“Surely people have realised that Panama have great players,” Christiansen said following his team’s defeat to Croatia.
“Hopefully, they have the doors open to go to better leagues and better teams, train better and increase that capacity and talent they have inside.
“What makes me feel bad is that a whole country was excited with its national team. We have lost, but you also have to see how we have lost, in what way and against whom.”
| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 4 |
| Ghana | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 4 |
| Croatia | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| Panama | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
Panama v England World Cup 2026 predicted line-ups
Right-back Reece James (hamstring) missed missed England training on Thursday through injury, as did midfielder Declan Rice (calf), who is a booking from a ban.
Bukayo Saka replaced winger Anthony Gordon and Nico O’Reilly supplanted full-back Djed Spence in Tuchel’s first changes against Ghana.
Midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla has missed both of Panama’s matches through injury.
Christiansen rotated a striker against Croatia following his side’s last-gasp defeat to Ghana, replacing Cecilio Waterman with Jose Fajardo.
With his team eliminated, the Denmark-born former Spain international could make more changes this time. Forward Azarias Londono was used from the bench on Tuesday.
Where to watch Panama v England: TV channel, live online streams
Kick-off on Saturday is at 22:00 BST (17:00 ET / 14:00 PT). In the UK, live TV coverage is on ITV1.
Streaming is available through ITV’s website and ITVX app, which is available on a vast variety of devices for viewing on the go.
World Cup 2026: Panama v England stats
- Panama have lost each of their five World Cup matches, scoring two goals in total in the process. Only El Salvador possess a worse 100% losing record in the competition history (6 games)
- They are playing at their second World Cup and their first since 2018 in Russia, in which they finished bottom of a group consisting of Belgium and England, who competed in that edition’s third-placed play-off, as well as Tunisia
- Jose Cordoba attempted 101 passes during Panama’s World Cup opener against Ghana, which is the most of any player in a match for the nation in tournament history
- Along with eliminated Curacao, Panama were one of two sides to avoid defeat during CONCACAF qualifying among teams to have played at least 10 matches, while recording the most high turnovers (82)
- Only three players recorded more assists in CONCACAF qualifying than Amir Murillo (3), who was also second for expected assists (2.6)
- Christiansen has been in charge of Panama since July 2020, leading them to the knockout stage in two of his three Gold Cup campaigns (runners-up in 2023, quarter-finals in 2025)
- Jordan Pickford made his 14th World Cup appearance for England by starting against Ghana. Only Peter Shilton (17) has more in the competition for the men’s national team
- Jude Bellingham made his 50th England appearance for England in that game, becoming the youngest player ever to reach the milestone for the Three Liones at the age of 22 years and 359 days
- England are making their 17th World Cup appearance in their eighth consecutive participation, which is the longest uninterrupted run in their history
- Since winning their only World Cup title in 1966, England have progressed past the quarter-finals on two occasions: they finished fourth in 1990 and 2018
- A World Cup newcomer, Tuchel is the third non-Englishman to lead the nation at the finals after Sven-Goran Eriksson (2002, 2006) and Fabio Capello (2010)
World Cup 2026: Panama v England prediction
Panama 0-4 England
England secured their largest-ever World Cup win by beating Panama 6-1 during the 2018 group stage and their statistics against Ghana could be interpreted as good omens for a finale against eliminated opponents: a total of 19 attempts represented their most without scoring at the finals since 2002, and their possession share of almost 79% was the highest by any side on record at the tournament without scoring.
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Gambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.
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