Panama winger Ismael Diaz says he is ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, and looks forward to the group games against Ghana, Croatia and England.
The Central American nation will start their tournament in Group L with a game against Ghana in Toronto on June 17, 2026.
Panama are yet to win a game at the World Cup following a disastrous debut in Russia in 2018, where there lost all three group matches including a 6-1 loss to England.
Diaz, who was a member of the team eight years ago, believes Los Canaleros will give a good account of themselves in Canada, USA and Mexico.
“Everyone’s told me that it’s tough, but I like it. I like it because, at the end of the day, I’ve always thought that you go to the World Cup to compete against the best and play against them. So, I’m happy with the group we’re in,” he told FIFA.
After their opening game against Ghana, Panama will face Croatia before engaging England in their final group match, with hopes of avoiding the 2018 embarrassment.
Meanwhile, Ghana will face England in Boston before squaring up with Croatia in Philadelphia.
