Panama are back on the biggest stage, and they're not just here to make up the numbers. After their historic debut at Russia 2018, La Marea Roja have returned with a more experienced, hungrier squad. Their goal? Progress from the group for the first time.

This isn't the same Panama that shipped six goals to England eight years ago. Under Danish coach Thomas Christiansen, who took charge in 2020, they've developed a pragmatic, physical style built on an organised defence and quick transitions. They topped their Concacaf qualifying group, conceding just four goals in the final phase and sealing their spot with a 3-0 win against El Salvador last November. They also reached the quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa América and the final of the 2023 Gold Cup — proof they can compete with the best.

"Our faith moves mountains," Christiansen said. "To be at the World Cup for the second time, we want to improve on 2018 and compete like never before."

At the heart of this team is Michael Murillo, the 30-year-old Besiktas right-back with more than 90 caps. He's quick, good one-on-one, and a threat in the opposition box. He grew up in Colón, sharing a room with his mother and siblings, and chose football over baseball to provide for his family. Now he's a national treasure — a captain without the armband.

Then there's Aníbal Godoy, the 36-year-old midfield general with a national-record 155 caps. He does the dirty work — winning the ball back, covering space, organising those around him — so that others like Adalberto Carrasquilla can shine. Godoy is the most experienced player in the squad and its unsung hero.

The one to watch is 18-year-old Kadir Barría, a powerful striker who joined Botafogo before making his senior debut for Panama. He earned his first cap this year and is already a reliable scorer in Brazil's top flight, recently extending his contract until 2029. Little known outside Panama and Brazil, he could find fame at this World Cup — probably off the bench.

Panama usually line up in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, with Murillo at right-back, Godoy and Carrasquilla in a double pivot, and sharp-shooting speedsters Ismael Díaz and José Fajardo leading the attack. Their probable starting XI is a 5-2-3: Mosquera; Davis, Andrade, Córdoba, Ramos, Murillo; Godoy, Carrasquilla; Díaz, Fajardo, José Rodríguez.

Their fans, known as 'La Marea Roja' (the Red Wave), are some of the most passionate in Concacaf. They're loud, proud, and respectful. After eight years of waiting, they'll travel in numbers — Copa Airlines is putting on special flights to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Watch out for the sombreros.

Christiansen, who started his playing career in Barcelona's B team and spent much of it in Spain, has transformed Panama into a competitive side. "We want to compete and get out of the group," he said. "The selección is more than ready." His team won't fear anybody.

Captain Godoy echoed the sentiment: "We will give everything. This group is united and hungry to make history."

The realistic aim is to make it out of the group. They face England again — the team that thrashed them 6-1 in 2018 — but Christiansen will want to prove they have the discipline to avoid a repeat. A spot in the last 16 is the dream. The dressing room believes it's possible.