Panama at World Cup 2026: Group L Fixtures & Fan Travel Guide
Panama reach their second World Cup, playing Group L in Toronto and New York/New Jersey, June 17–27, 2026. Fixtures, US and Canada entry pointers, and one eSIM for every host city.
Published June 8, 2026·5 min read
Summary
Panama reach only their second World Cup and play their three Group L matches in Toronto (vs. Ghana, June 17, and vs. Croatia, June 23) and New York/New Jersey (vs. England, June 27). Panamanian fans need a US visitor visa and should confirm Canada's entry rules, and one North America eSIM covers every city. Here's the full guide.
Panama's Group L fixtures
Panama, back at the World Cup after their 2018 debut, get an unusual schedule with two matches at the same Toronto venue before finishing at MetLife Stadium. Their opener against Ghana is, per the FIFA Group L guide, the realistic battle for a knockout berth behind favorites England and Croatia.
| Date (ET) | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Wed Jun 17, 7 p.m. | Ghana vs. Panama | BMO Field (Toronto) |
| Tue Jun 23, 7 p.m. | Panama vs. Croatia | BMO Field (Toronto) |
| Sat Jun 27, 4 p.m. | Panama vs. England | MetLife Stadium (NY/NJ) |
Two of Panama's three games are in Toronto — convenient for a longer stay. Plan with our venue guides for getting to BMO Field in Toronto and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Entry: US visa and Canada rules
Panama is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program, so Panamanian passport holders generally need a B-2 visitor visa for the New York/New Jersey match. For the two Toronto games, check the Government of Canada entry requirements for Panamanian citizens before booking, since the document you need (visitor visa or eTA) depends on your travel history. Apply early, and carry your match tickets and accommodation details to support the application.
Staying connected: eSIM vs roaming vs pocket Wi-Fi
Panama spend most of the group in Canada before a single US finale, so the connectivity trap is the Toronto-to-New Jersey leg. A North America eSIM covers both countries on one plan — keeping maps, rideshare, and the FIFA ticket app live without a mid-trip SIM swap.
| Option | Cost | Setup time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Low | ~5 min (pre-install on Wi-Fi) | Excellent (local carrier) |
| Carrier roaming | High | Instant (already enabled) | Medium (partner-dependent) |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Medium | Airport pickup / rental | Good (extra device to charge) |
A single North America eSIMcovers Toronto and New Jersey on one plan and crosses the US–Canada border without a new SIM. From US$5 with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card.
FAQ
QWhere does Panama play at World Cup 2026?
AToronto twice (vs. Ghana June 17, vs. Croatia June 23) and New York/New Jersey (vs. England June 27). The venues are BMO Field for both Toronto games and MetLife Stadium for the finale.
QIs this Panama's first World Cup?
ANo — it is Panama's second World Cup, after their debut at Russia 2018. They return in 2026 in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Ghana.
QDo Panamanian fans need a visa for the USA and Canada?
AYes for the US (a B-2 visitor visa), and check Canada's rules for the Toronto games. Panama is not in the US Visa Waiver Program; confirm both on official government sites and apply early.
QWhich eSIM should Panama fans use at the World Cup?
AA North America eSIM — it covers Canada (Toronto) and the US (New Jersey) on one plan. No SIM swap at the border, and plans start around US$5.
Bottom line
Panama's second World Cup gives fans a Toronto base for two of three group games before a New Jersey finale against England. Sort your US visa and confirm Canada's rules early, then load a World Cup 2026 eSIM so you stay connected from BMO Field to MetLife Stadium without a single SIM swap at the border.