World Cup scouting report: the lowdown on England’s next opponents Panama

<p>Did you enjoy England’s stalemate against Ghana? Panama are just as seasoned in the art of footballing nihilism</p><p>Panama apparently have nothing to play for when they face England in New Jersey on Saturday. After an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/18/ghana-panama-world-cup-2026-match-report-group-l">attritional 1-0 loss to Ghana</a> in their opener, and a slightly unlucky <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/24/croatia-panama-world-cup-2026-match-report">1-0 defeat by Croatia</a>, there is no path to the knockouts for <em>Los Canaleros</em>.</p><p>There is, however, something else at stake: a first point at a World Cup at the sixth attempt. Panama lost all three matches on their debut appearance at the 2018 edition, so getting anything against England would be a statement result.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/26/world-cup-scouting-report-lowdown-england-opponent-panama">Continue reading...</a>