Godoy: "It Will Be Different Against England This Time".

Godoy: "It Will Be Different Against England This Time"—Panama’s Captain Sets Sights on Knockout Stages and Historic First World Cup Victory as Central American Powerhouse Prepares for 2026 Rematch with Heightened Ambition and Experience

The landscape of Panamanian football has shifted dramatically since the tears and cheers of their debut in Russia eight years ago. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, captain Anibal Godoy is making it clear that Los Canaleros are no longer just happy to participate; they are here to compete. The veteran midfielder, a bridge between Panama’s humble beginnings and its current status as a regional force, believes the upcoming clash against England will bear little resemblance to their 2018 encounter.

Under the guidance of Thomas Christiansen, Panama has evolved into the premier side of the Central American region. Boasting two Concacaf final appearances in the last three years, the squad enters this tournament with a newfound tactical maturity. For the 36-year-old Godoy, the mission is twofold: secure the nation’s first-ever World Cup win and navigate a path into the knockout rounds. With the tournament held on North American soil, Panama aims to leverage their regional dominance to ensure an extended stay. The "debutant" tag is long gone, replaced by the steely ambition of a team ready to shock the world.