Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen has kept a core of 14 players from his recent World Cup squad for an Asian tour starting next week. The 27-man selection includes six potential debutants as the canalera begins building towards the 2030 World Cup.

Christiansen was confirmed to continue in his role after Panama's group-stage exit at the 2026 tournament, where they failed to earn a point or score a goal. "He maintained a base of 14 players who were called up for the recent World Cup," the Danish manager said. The team finished bottom of Group L with defeats to Ghana (1-0), Croatia (1-0) and England (2-0).

Panama currently sit fourth in their World Cup group with zero points from three matches, a position detailed in our standings. Four days later, on 1 October, the team travels to Japan to face New Zealand in Yokohama. The tour concludes on 5 October at Tokyo's National Stadium against the winner of the Japan-Ecuador match.

The squad list

Among the 14 retaining their World Cup places are defender Amir Murillo (Besiktas), midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla (Pumas UNAM) and forward José Fajardo (Universidad Católica). The six newcomers are goalkeeper Marcos De León (Sporting Panama), defenders Jair Modelo (FC Sheriff) and Joseph Jones (FC Kryvbas), midfielder Daivis Murillo (Plaza Amador) and forwards Josué Vergara (KAA Gent) and Mijahir Jiménez (NY Red Bulls).

The full squad highlights the team's geographic spread, with players based in 14 different countries. In goal, Orlando Mosquera (Al-Fahya) and Eddie Roberts (Estudiantes de Mérida) join De León. The defence features names like César Blackman (Slovan Bratislava), José Córdoba (Norwich City) and Eduardo Anderson (Baltika Kaliningrad).

In midfield, Carlos Harvey (Minnesota United) and Cristian Martínez (Slovan Bratislava) provide experience, while Azarías Londoño (Universidad Católica) and Rafael Mosquera (NY Red Bulls) look to establish themselves. The attack, beyond Fajardo, Vergara and Jiménez, includes Tomás Rodríguez (Barcelona SC).

Panama enter these friendlies with a record of one win, one draw and three losses in their last five outings. Their most recent victory was a 4-2 win over the Dominican Republic in early June, prior to the World Cup. The team approaches this tour focused on rebuilding momentum and shaping the new cycle. The first test comes on Tuesday 25th in Bangalore.

More detail at Yahoo