Andrés Andrade Signals Panama Success With Round-of-16 Aim
Andrés Andrade is part of a Panama squad entering the 2026 World Cup with a blunt target from Thomas Christiansen: get out of the group and call it success. The coach said that passing the round would be enough to mark the campaign as successful, a standard set before Panama’s debut in the tournament.
Christiansen Sets Panama Bar
“Un punto ya es superar lo anterior, pero yo creo que exitoso sería pasar de ronda,” Christiansen told journalists from Tigo Sports Panamá a few days before Panama’s first game. He tied that target directly to the opener against Ghana, saying the match will show Panama’s chances of advancing to the next phase.
That framing gives the first match immediate weight. Panama will open against Ghana in a group that also includes Croatia and England, and Christiansen described Ghana as the most accessible side in the group, while still stressing respect for the opponent.
Panama Watches Luis And Coco
The squad is not at full certainty yet. Christiansen said Panama has already identified the situations of Luis and Coco, and that a decision will come later after a program of follow-up. He added that the other players are fit to train but are being protected because of minor discomfort.
“Ya sabemos las situaciones de Luis y de Coco. Hay una programación, un seguimiento a hacer y vamos a tomar una decisión más adelante,” he said. On the same team list, Kuni and Griffith were included as cover in case they are needed, and Christiansen thanked the federation for giving him the chance to bring them.
Ghana Film And Panama Mood
Christiansen also pointed to the work behind the scenes. He said Panama studied Ghana’s earlier matches under Otto Addo, then weighed that against what Carlos Queirós has brought since taking over as Ghana coach. Queirós has only recently arrived, and Christiansen noted that Ghana had only one friendly match under him, while the match against Mexico was not coached by him.
Panama is approaching its first World Cup appearance with more than just participation on the table. Christiansen said the team is more focused and motivated now than it was during its previous World Cup, when simply being there was the novelty, and he said the group understands what is at stake.
“El grupo está tranquilo, está concienciado, saben lo que nos jugamos en este mundial,” he said. For Panama, the standard is now clear: compete, get results, and move beyond the group stage.
