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Updated Jun 27, 2026 · 12:45
Sports World News Updated Jun 27, 2026

England Face Panama in Must-Win World Cup Clash – Preview & Details

England will face Panama in a crucial World Cup Group L match on June 28. A win would secure top spot for England after a draw with Ghana. Panama is already eliminated but has shown competitive spirit. The match will be broadcast live in India on Zee5 and Unite8 Sports.

FIFA WC: When and where to watch Panama vs England, know all details

New Jersey, June 27

England will look to book their place in the Round of 32 as Group L winners when they face an already-eliminated Panama at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

Thomas Tuchel's side were unable to build on their opening win over Croatia after being held by a disciplined Ghana outfit. England enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to find a breakthrough against a well-organised defence, exposing areas they will hope to improve before the knockout stages.

Despite the draw, the Three Lions remain in a strong position. A victory over Panama should be enough to secure top spot in the group, provided there is no dramatic swing in goal difference elsewhere. With the business end of the tournament approaching, Tuchel will be eager to see his side rediscover the attacking fluency they displayed in their opening fixture.

Panama, meanwhile, have little more than pride to play for after suffering back-to-back defeats. However, their performances have been more encouraging than the results suggest. Under Thomas Christiansen, they have developed into a far more competitive side and have shown plenty of attacking intent, despite failing to convert their chances.

England famously thrashed Panama 6-1 when the sides met at the 2018 World Cup, but this is a different Panamanian outfit. Even so, the gulf in quality remains significant. Panama are expected to compete with greater freedom, but England will back themselves to bounce back from their frustrating draw and head into the knockout rounds with a timely victory.

How to watch Panama vs England live in India

Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches will be available on the Zee5 platform and app in India. A subscription will be needed.

Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.

Key details

Date and kick-off time: Sunday, June 28, 02:30 AM (IST)

Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, USA

Referee: Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al Jassim

Squads:

Panama -

Goalkeepers: Orlando Mosquera, Luis Mejia, Cesar Samudio

Defenders: Cesar Blackman, Jorge Gutierrez, Amir Murillo, Fidel Escobar, Andres Andrade, Edgardo Farina, Jose Cordoba, Eric Davis, Jiovani Ramos, Roderick Miller

Midfielders: Aníbal Godoy, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Carlos Harvey, Cristian Martínez, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Cesar Yanis, Yoel Barcenas, Alberto Quintero, Azarias Londono

Forwards: Ismael Diaz, Cecilio Waterman, Jose Fajardo, Tomas Rodriguez

England -

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford

Defenders: Ezri Konsa, Nico O'Reilly, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Reece James, Djed Spence, Jarell Quansah

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze

Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Ivan Toney

— IANS

Reader Comments

Sarah B

Honestly, I think England are being overhyped as usual. They drew against Ghana, and Panama is no pushover now. Thomas Christiansen has built a decent team. Still, 6-1 in 2018 was brutal for Panama fans... hope they put up a better fight this time.

Arjun K

Can't believe I'm waking up at 2:30 AM for this! 😅 But World Cup fever hits different. England's squad depth is insane - Harry Kane, Bellingham, Saka... Meanwhile we're just happy to watch the game. Hoping for a Panamanian goal at least!

Priyanka N

Actually feel bad for Panama - already eliminated but still playing with pride. Reminds me of Indian football team's spirit sometimes. Anyway, zee5 subscription sorted, popcorn ready! 🍿 England should win but football is crazy...

James A

Good analysis - Panamanians have improved since 2018 for sure. But Tuchel's England should still win 2-0 or 3-0 easily. Key will be how they break down the defence after Ghana frustrated them. Bellingham needs to step up.

Vikram M

No offense but England always struggle against 'smaller' teams. Ghana showed the blueprint - sit deep and counter. Panama might try same. Still, quality should prevail. Hoping for Rashford to get some minutes, he's been in good form recently.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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