Panama forward Cecilio Waterman has expressed confidence that his side can compete against their opponents in the 2026 World Cup group stage.
Waterman was instrumental in securing Panama’s place in the tournament, scoring twice in their decisive 3-2 victory over Guatemala during the qualifiers.
The win ensured the Central American nation’s return to football’s biggest stage.
Panama have been drawn in Group L alongside Ghana, Croatia, and England — a tough group on paper, but one Waterman believes his team can challenge.
Speaking to FIFA, Waterman said the gap between teams has narrowed and highlighted Costa Rica’s World Cup performances as proof that smaller nations can compete with the best.
“They are opponents with great stature, but in every sense I think the gap has closed,” he said.
“I think we can use Costa Rica as an example of when they have gone to World Cups.
“They have competed, and so now we have to continue that and go to the World Cup and compete and make things hard on teams. And who said we can’t take the three points in a game? I’m convinced we can because it’s football; anything can happen,” Waterman concluded.
Panama will begin their World Cup campaign against Ghana at Toronto Stadium on June 18.
