Match Preview
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Matchday: Matchday 3
Date: 27 June 2026
Kick-off time: 23:00 (SA Time)
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Match Details
England have made a strong start to their World Cup campaign but were held to a frustrating goalless draw against Ghana in the second match. The Three Lions have already secured four points from their opening two matches and know that a victory could be enough to secure top spot in Group L. Panama, meanwhile, are playing for pride after suffering back-to-back defeats. The match will be played at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, with South African viewers able to catch the action on Saturday, 27 June at 23:00 (SA time).
Why This Match Matters
Following England unexpectedly dropping points against Ghana, Group L has been thrown wide open. The Three Lions still lead the group with four points but now need a victory against Panama to secure top spot. The South Americans have already been eliminated following two defeats but they can still play a major role as to who qualifies. If they can do the unthinkable and beat England, then the Three Lions could possibly finish as runners up in the group if either Ghana or Croatia also win. To give themselves an easier draw, it is therefore imperative they beat Panama.
Panama vs England Head-to-Head Stats
Previous Meetings
There has been only one previous meeting between the sides, with that encounter taking place at the 2018 World Cup. England trounced Panama 6-1 in that match.
Panama’s Recent Form
Panama’s last five matches: LWDLL
Recent results include:
- 24/06/2026 (World Cup): Panama 0-1 Croatia
- 18/06/2026 (World Cup): Ghana 1-0 Panama
- 06/06/2026 (Friendly): Panama 1-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
- 04/06/2026 (Friendly): Panama 4-2 Dominican Republic
- 31/05/2026 (Friendly): Brazil 6-2 Panama
Recent form: Panama come inot their last game in the group stage with a poor form record, having won only two out of their last five games. Their participation in the World Cup tournament has not been a success so far, as their 1-0 loss to both Ghana and Croatia in their first two games means that they have not scored or got any points yet. Despite their attacking threat in a 4-2 win over the Dominican Republic in a friendly, they have not been able to produce many scoring opportunities when up against tougher opponents.
England’s Recent Form
England’s last five matches: LWWWD
Recent results include:
- 22/06/2026 (World Cup): France 3-0 Iraq
- 16/06/2026 (World Cup): France 3-1 Senegal
- 08/06/2026 (Friendly): France 3-1 Northern Ireland
- 04/06/2026 (Friendly): France 1-2 Ivory Coast
- 29/03/2026 (Friendly): Colombia 1-3 France
Recent form: England came into the tournament in great decent form with wins over New Zealand and Costa Rica. The Three Lions produced an excellent second half performance against Croatia to seal a 4-2 win in the opener. It all went pear shaped as they failed to beat a very defensive Ghana team. They will be looking to bounce back with a victory over Panama and clinch top spot in the group. With attacking talents such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka capable of producing moments of quality, England will be confident of finishing the group stage strongly against a Panama side still searching for its first point of the tournament.
Team News
Panama Team News
Panama have been severely hampered throughout the tournament by the absence of Adalberto Carrasquilla, who continues to struggle with an adductor injury, while captain and record appearance-holder Aníbal Godoy has also lacked match fitness, featuring for just a single minute so far. Carrasquilla suffered a setback in his rehabilitation ahead of Panama’s defeat to Croatia, making it highly unlikely that the influential midfielder will return for the final group-stage match.
Injuries: Adalberto Carrasquilla and Anibal Goday remain doubtful starters.
Suspensions: There are no suspensions for Panama.
Key players to watch: Goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera is often their last line of defence and will need to be at his sharpest against a potent attack. Michael Murillo brings energy and quality down the flank, while José Córdoba provides strength and composure in central defence. In midfield, Cristian Martínez is tasked with controlling possession and linking defence with attack. Édgar Bárcenas remains one of Panama’s most creative outlets, capable of unlocking defences with his passing and movement. Up front, Ismael Díaz Fajardo carries the main goal-scoring threat and will be relied upon to convert any chances that come his way.
England Team News
Kobbie Mainoo has also been tipped to displace Declan Rice as the Arsenal was not 100% fit in the draw with Ghana while questions remain over whether Reece James will be fit for this match after complaining of a hamstring problem. Marcus Rashford should surely come into the starting lineup in place of Anthony Gordon who could not justify his starting role.
Injuries: Declan Rice and Reece James are the injury concerns.
Suspensions: No suspensions.
Key players to watch: Harry Kane will be the focal point of the attack and will look to exploit any defensive lapses with his movement and finishing ability but he will need better supply than received against Panama. Jude Bellingham is expected to control the tempo in midfield with Bukayo Saka’s pace and trickery on the wing could prove too much for Panama’s defenders, while Marcus Rashford’s direct running offers another potent attacking weapon. Declan Rice will be crucial in winning possession and launching attacks, while Jordan Pickford’s experience and leadership provide stability at the back should Panama threaten on the counterattack.
Predicted Lineups
Panama Predicted XI
Orlando Mosquera; Michael Murillo, José Córdoba, Sergio Ramos, Éric Davis Andrade, César Blackman; Cristian Martínez, Édgar Bárcenas, Harvey Neville, José Luis Rodríguez; Ismael Díaz Fajardo.
England Predicted XI
Jordan Pickford; Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, James O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford; Harry Kane.
Best Betting Markets for Panama vs England
Match Winner
Prediction: England to win @ (1.18) at Hollywoodbets
Over/Under Goals
Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals @(1.71) at WSB
Both Teams to Score
Prediction: Both Teams to Score- No @ (1.67) at Betway
Anytime Goalscorer
Prediction: Harry Kane to score anytime @ (1.44) at Easybet
Panama vs England Prediction
Best Bet
Prediction: England to win and Over 2.5 goals @(1.59) at Hollywoodbets
Correct Score Prediction
Prediction: Panama 0-3 England @ (9.50) at Easybet
With the action of the World Cup group stage heating up, there are still loads of other football matches taking place. Topbets’ Daily Football Predictions has got you covered with all the latest tips and predictions for the footie action taking place every day.
Match analysis and verdict
Harry Kane remains England’s biggest weapon, with his movement inside the box and ability to finish half-chances likely to be decisive against a defence that will spend long periods under pressure. England will look to dominate possession from the outset but as they found out against Ghana, possession means nothing if they can’t be penetrative in attack. They need to stretch the Panama defence with the likes Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford offering pace and creativity on the flanks. Jude Bellingham will be key in controlling the midfield while Declan Rice will look to work his magic of the set pieces.
Panama, however, will aim to stay compact and disciplined, relying on a deep defensive block to frustrate England and limit space, similar to the tactics adopted by Ghana. Their best hope lies in transitions, where Édgar Bárcenas and José Luis Rodríguez can carry the ball forward quickly and try to exploit any gaps left behind advancing English full-backs. Ismael Díaz will need to be clinical with limited chances if Panama are to threaten an upset.
Overall, England’s superior quality, depth, and attacking variety should tell over 90 minutes. If they break Panama’s resistance early, the game could open up quickly. I am predicting a 3-0 England victory.
Prediction: Panama 0-3 England

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