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 |