Panama and England have met at a World Cup before. In 2018 in Russia, England beat Panama 6-1 in a group stage match that included a Harry Kane hat-trick and a John Stones brace. Felipe Baloy’s late consolation goal for Panama was historic as the country’s first-ever World Cup goal, celebrated by the Panamanian bench and fans with the kind of joy that reveals exactly what it means to score at a World Cup regardless of the scoreline. That dichotomy, England’s clinical demolition alongside Panama’s pure elation at their consolation, said something real about what the tournament means to different footballing nations.

By 2026, Panama return with one more World Cup behind them. They have experienced this stage, absorbed it, and built on it. England remain among the tournament’s most expected contenders. The 6-1 result from 2018 will be in the background, but football teams evolve and the circumstances of a third group game, with qualification potentially already determined or still at stake, will matter far more than history.

MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, serving the New York metropolitan area, is one of the World Cup’s marquee venues for 2026. It holds over 82,000 and has an architectural grandeur appropriate to football’s biggest stage. The New York area’s football culture has grown substantially, and the city’s connection to the Caribbean and Latin American communities means Panama will have genuine support in the ground.

England’s record against CONCACAF nations at World Cups is strong. Panama will need to find ways to disrupt England’s rhythm, stay organised and exploit any complacency. Group L’s final day in New York could be dramatic or ceremonial. Either way, Panama vs England completes the story that started in Nizhny Novgorod eight years ago.