When you listen to Anibal Godoy, you get the sense that things are going to be very different for Panama in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ than they were at Russia 2018. Eight years ago, Los Canaleros were making their debut and there was a “just happy to be here” sense about it all. This year’s global finals stand to be different.
Thomas Christiansen’s side have become the top team in the Central American region and have reached a pair of Concacaf finals in the last three years. A first World Cup victory and passage to the knockout round beckons for the 36-year-old Godoy and his team-mates. The midfielder is one of the few holdovers from 2018 and is keen to make sure Panama have an extended North American stay.
Anibal Godoy: History. It’s something unique. The truth is that for us, Panamanians, this is something wonderful. And every time I think of it, I think it’s the best thing that could have happened to our country.
It’s the best memory I have in my career, apart from when we sealed our qualification. The first match against Belgium, when I heard the national anthem, you can see happiness in everybody’s face. You could also see the sacrifice to seal that long-awaited qualification. Being part of a World Cup is something unique.
It’s been enormous, with such great players. The progress made, both technically and tactically, of the Panama national team has been tremendous. I think Thomas (Christiansen) has given a wonderful identity to the Panama National Team. I hope it lasts for many years.
I think missing out on the Qatar World Cup helped us to grow stronger as a team. We found similar situations in this qualification campaign. So, as a team, we are prepared and knew we couldn’t fail this time. We didn’t feel that much pressure, so the team handled each match and situation very well.
I remember the goals they scored in the first half. Those goals hit us hard. That’s what I remember most. I think this team is prepared. It is more prepared and has more experience. I believe we are well prepared to play against England once again. It will be a different match this time. Every day is an opportunity to make history. The day that match comes I know Panama will put in a good performance, compete well. We hope we can cause an upset.
I learned a lot. At an individual level, I learnt to be more patient. I learnt to be more cautious. You play on the pitch at a different pace with elite players. Players who train every day as part of an elite. Players who play every weekend as part of an elite. You must be more mentally prepared. Physically, actually. Handling those emotions and that scenario requires a lot of calm.
It’s been a wonderful responsibility. It has not been easy, knowing that I represent a group not only of very good players, a team of good human beings, but also an entire country. Such responsibility requires a lot of work, a lot of serenity, a lot of effort, a lot of sacrifice. I enjoy it. I’ve enjoyed it as much as I could. I’ve enjoyed that responsibility the coach has given me. Not only me, but also the other captains that have performed well. They have made it easier for me to play such role.
First, that they are great people Then, that they are quality players. In this team, good players come and go. Tactics-wise, we are a well-oiled machine. This team is prepared to compete and I hope we can make history at this World Cup.
Tenacious. Panama is tenacious and has personality. We have that grit we’ve always shown on the pitch. But we are a tenacious team. A team that never gives up and a team that people can identify with. Panamanians should identify as they do with their daily work at offices or construction sites. We intend to identify with those people. And we know that if they fight, we must fight as well.
Its personality. Personality, team work. Never shies away from the most important moments. That has been important and valuable for this team because of the great quality players we have. I think how you play matters, playing attractive football matters. Winning also matters, but I think this has been wonderful, and having many good quality players, both in defence and attack.
Of course. They are players I watch every weekend, and we have team-mates who’ve faced them before. But, on a personal level, I enjoy watching them on the weekend, knowing they play at the top, and we can always face those players of great quality and come up against the best.
It’s a special moment, a beautiful moment on a personal level. And that, well… It will forever leave its mark on my career and my sons. I think they’ll always remember that their dad played two World Cups. So, it’s great for me to know that my sons will remember that and that will stay with them in their careers.
