Panama star loses overseas club ahead of 2026 World Cup
The Panama national team faces an unexpected setback ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Aníbal Godoy, a midfielder with over 120 appearances for the cantera national side, has lost his overseas club spot. The news comes just after the 0-2 loss to England on June 27, 2026, the latest result in a three-match winless streak (1W-1D-3L in the last five games).
What happened to Godoy?
Italian club Parma Calcio 1913 announced on July 25, 2026 that it had terminated Godoy’s contract for breaching contractual clauses. Sources close to the player told local media the issue stems from unpaid bonuses. The 34-year-old had spent three seasons with the Emilia-Romagna side, making 87 appearances and scoring five goals.
Parma’s management defended the move in a statement: “We complied with the contract terms and acted within the law.” Godoy has yet to comment publicly. His agent, Jorge Vergara, confirmed they are reviewing legal options to challenge the termination.
Why it matters for Panama
Godoy is Panama’s second-most capped player and a key midfield figure. His absence from overseas action complicates his World Cup 2026 preparation, where the national team aims to advance past the group stage after three straight losses. Head coach Thomas Christiansen had already named Godoy in the preliminary 26-man squad, citing his European competition experience.
The setback arrives at a critical time. The national team has just one win in its last five matches, with defeats to Mexico, Costa Rica, and now England. Losing Godoy adds pressure on the technical staff to finalize signings before the August transfer window closes.
What’s next for Godoy and the national team?
Godoy’s Parma contract ran until 2027, but the termination opens the door to a return to MLS or even a Liga MX side. His compatriot Gabriel Gómez, a former player turned pundit, said: “It’s a tough blow, but Aníbal is a fighter. We’ll see how it plays out.”
Meanwhile, Panama’s national team is in the final stretch of preparation. The last pre-World Cup friendly is scheduled for August 12, 2026 against Venezuela. Christiansen is already adjusting his starting XI, though Godoy’s absence leaves a tough void in midfield.
