Cristian Martinez
PanamaMidfielderKiryat ShmonaCristian Martinez goes into World Cup 2026 as a midfielder who can shape tempo and spacing for Panama. He arrives with international experience already logged in the checked data. Kiryat Shmona provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is first-touch decisions, central spacing and the next pass after a regain.
Group L
Jun 17, 2026vs Ghana - 7:00 PM EDT
Quick Facts
Cristian Martinez and Panama World Cup 2026 Squad
Panama selected Cristian Martinez for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a midfielder, he can give the ball a safe route forward and close central lanes when possession is lost.
Martinez is part of a group of 9 midfielders, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Cristian Martinez arrives with international experience already logged in the checked data.
Martinez's senior international timeline dates back to 2016, which gives the record more weight than a simple squad listing.
International Record
- World Cup 2026 role: Panama list Cristian Martinez as a midfielder, with minutes linked to form, workload and game state.
- Group opponents: Panama face Ghana, Croatia and England in the group stage.
Playing Style and Strengths
Martinez's World Cup value starts with first-touch decisions, central spacing and the next pass after a regain.
Martinez's first touch can decide whether midfield pressure becomes a problem or a chance to play forward.
- Tempo control
- Pressure resistance
- Recovery runs
- Forward passing
- Second-ball duels
- Central spacing
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Panama start against Ghana on 17 June 2026 in Toronto. For Martinez, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Croatia follow on 23 June 2026 in Toronto. For Martinez, the second fixture can quickly change the selection picture if the opener leaves Panama chasing points or protecting workload.
| Kickoff | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 20267:00 PM EDT | Ghana | Toronto Stadium, Toronto |
| Jun 23, 20267:00 PM EDT |  Croatia | Toronto Stadium, Toronto |
| Jun 27, 20265:00 PM EDT |  England | New York/New Jersey Stadium, New York |
Dates and kickoff times above are shown in the venue timezone.
Recent Form
Cristian Martinez played 31 Ligat ha'Al matches for Kiryat Shmona in 2025/26, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist.
Martinez's latest checked appearance came on June 4, 2026, with 45 minutes in Panama versus Dominican Republic.
Career Stats
Cristian Martinez arrives with international experience already logged in the checked data.
For Panama, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Martinez's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Panama |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Club | Kiryat Shmona |
| Caps | verified |
| Goals | verified |
| Born | Verified locally |
World Cup 2026 Role
Cristian Martinez enters World Cup 2026 with Panama as a midfielder. Match role, form and group-stage needs will shape his minutes.
Panama will judge him through training rhythm before the tournament. The useful signs are ball security, passing choices and recovery runs.
Panama start against Ghana on Jun 17, 2026 in Toronto. Croatia and England come next in the group. The match order can affect workload and selection.
FAQ
Is Cristian Martinez in the Panama World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Cristian Martinez is in Panama's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Cristian Martinez play?
He is listed as a midfielder for Panama.
How many international caps and goals does Cristian Martinez have?
The page lists the available international record from the checked player data.
Who are Panama's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
Panama face Ghana, Croatia and England in the group stage.
When is Cristian Martinez's first World Cup 2026 match?
Panama start against Ghana on 17 June 2026 in Toronto.
What is Cristian Martinez's latest club form?
He plays for Kiryat Shmona in the checked player facts.
More Panama World Cup 2026 Player Profiles
Explore more Panama squad profiles, including teammates who can share minutes, supply service or affect the same match plan.
Group L Table
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| 2 | Croatia | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| 3 | Ghana | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 | Panama | 3 | -4 | 0 |