Panama coach Thomas Christiansen confirmed that Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla will remain in the squad for the 2026 World Cup, despite the uncertainty about the severity of the injury he suffered last weekend with his club in Liga MX.

The coach explained that he does not see it viable to exclude the midfielder at this time, since there is still no definitive diagnosis that determines the real extent of the discomfort.

Panama announces its call for the 2026 World Cup with emotional video

The call of “Coco” was announced this Tuesday, when the Panama National Team presented its squad list for the 2026 World Cup through a special video published on its official channels, in which the FEPAFUT opted for an emotional production to reveal the 26 players who will represent the country in the World Cup.

The audiovisual material, broadcast on the social network

Christiansen explains why Carrasquilla is in the call

Thomas Christiansen was clear in justifying the decision to keep Adalberto Carrasquilla within the list of 26 players who will represent the Canal team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“As it is an uncertain situation, I can't risk leaving Carrasquilla out,” said the coach.

The Panamanian midfielder traveled to Panama to continue with the corresponding medical studies, while the Panamanian Football Federation awaits more precise results on his physical condition.

According to the coaching staff, the report sent by their club does not completely coincide with the internal evaluation of the team's doctors, which has generated greater caution in the handling of the case.

Carrasquilla's injury set off alarms in Panama

Concern about Adalberto Carrasquilla arose during the second leg final of the Liga MX between Pumas and Cruz Azul, when the player disputed a split ball with Amaury García.

After the action, the midfielder was left lying on the field of play and had to be substituted in the 59th minute, leaving with tears and obvious gestures of pain, which generated immediate alarm in both his club and the national team.

The incident raised doubts about his availability for the start of the 2026 World Cup, although his inclusion in the squad keeps the possibility of recovery open.

The decision to keep Adalberto Carrasquilla on the final list reflects the importance of the midfielder within the scheme of Thomas Christiansen, who is confident that the player can recover in time for Panama's debut in the 2026 World Cup.

Meanwhile, the medical staff will continue to monitor his evolution in the coming days, in a case that keeps both the Canal fans and the team environment in suspense.

Panama's complete call for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers:Orlando Mosquera (Al-Fayha FC), César Samudio (CD Marathón), Luis Mejía (Club Nacional)

Defenders:José Córdoba (Norwich City), César Blackman (Slovan Bratislava), Jorge Gutiérrez (Deportivo La Guaira), Amir Murillo (Beşiktaş), Fidel Escobar (Deportivo Saprissa), Andrés Andrade (LASK), Edgardo Fariña (FC Pari Nizhniy Novgorod), Eric Davis (Plaza Amador), Jiovany Ramos (Puerto Cabello), Roderick Miller (Turan-Tovuz)

Midfielders:Aníbal Godoy (San Diego FC), Adalberto Carrasquilla (Pumas), Carlos Harvey (Minnesota United), Cristian Martínez (Ironi Kiryat Shmona), José Luis Rodríguez (FC Juárez), César Yanis (Cobresal), Yoel Bárcenas (Mazatlán FC), Alberto Quintero (Plaza Amador), Azarias Londoño (CD Universidad Católica)

Forwards: Ismael Díaz (León), Cecilio Waterman (Universidad de Concepción), José Fajardo (CD Universidad Católica), Tomás Rodríguez (Deportivo Saprissa)