Panama captain Anibal Godoy has set his sights on leading the national team to its first-ever advancement beyond the group stage at this summer’s World Cup, which he says will be his final international tournament. The 36-year-old midfielder, who has earned over 150 caps, emphasized the significance of the competition as he prepares to close out his international career.

Panama opens its World Cup campaign against Ghana, with Croatia and England also competing in the group. The team faces a challenging task, particularly given their experience in the 2018 tournament when they failed to earn a point. Nonetheless, Godoy expressed confidence in the squad’s potential to achieve a notable result.

Reflecting on Panama’s debut World Cup appearance, Godoy called qualifying in 2018 one of the most memorable moments of his career. “You never forget your first time,” he said, highlighting the pride he felt representing his country on football’s biggest stage. He noted that the team approaches this second tournament with heightened aspirations.

“Our ambitions have grown. We’re not just focused on securing that initial victory; we’re aiming higher,” Godoy said, underscoring the impact a win could have on Panama’s chances to reach the knockout rounds. He identified the opening match against Ghana as critical, stating that a victory in the first game would provide a strong foundation for progressing further in the tournament.

Godoy also acknowledged the support of Panamanian fans and expressed gratitude for their encouragement. “We want the fans to know we’ve set goals for this World Cup and that we appreciate their support,” he said. “This team is ready to give everything it has, and we believe we’re going to give fans something to talk about this summer.”

Concluding his remarks, Godoy described the prospect of leaving the national team with historic success as the ideal farewell. “There’s no better way to say goodbye than by making history at a World Cup,” he said, underscoring both his personal commitment and the collective ambition of his teammates.

Panama’s bid to advance in the World Cup will begin with tonight’s match against Ghana, as the team aims to build on its first appearance and make a deeper impact on the international stage.