Fidel Escobar
PanamaDefenderSaprissaFidel Escobar goes into World Cup 2026 as a defender who can steady the back line for Panama. He brings 97 caps and 4 goals into the tournament. Saprissa provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is body shape, recovery runs, aerial work and decisions under pressure.
Group L
Jun 17, 2026vs Ghana - 7:00 PM EDT
Quick Facts
Fidel Escobar and Panama World Cup 2026 Squad
Panama selected Fidel Escobar for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a defender, he can protect the channel, win first contact and keep clearances controlled.
Escobar is part of a group of 10 defenders, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Fidel Escobar brings 97 caps and 4 goals into the tournament.
Escobar's senior international timeline dates back to 2015, which gives the record more weight than a simple squad listing.
International Record
- International record: Fidel Escobar enters the tournament with 97 caps and 4 goals for Panama.
- World Cup 2026 role: Panama list Fidel Escobar as a defender, 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
Escobar's World Cup value starts with body shape, recovery runs, aerial work and decisions under pressure.
Escobar's first pass out of defence can help the team breathe after a long spell without the ball.
- Duel timing
- Compact spacing
- Set-piece defending
- First pass out
- Cover runs
- Box protection
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Panama start against Ghana on 17 June 2026 in Toronto. For Escobar, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Croatia follow on 23 June 2026 in Toronto. For Escobar, 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
Fidel Escobar played 25 Primera Division matches for Saprissa in 2025/26, scoring 1 goal and providing 0 assists.
Escobar's latest checked appearance came on May 17, 2026, with 90 minutes in Herediano versus Saprissa.
Career Stats
Fidel Escobar brings 97 caps and 4 goals into the tournament.
For Panama, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Escobar's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Panama |
| Position | Defender |
| Club | Saprissa |
| Caps | 97 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Born | 9 January 1995 |
World Cup 2026 Role
Fidel Escobar enters World Cup 2026 with Panama as a defender. The senior record stands at 97 caps and 4 goals. 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 duel timing, spacing and the first pass forward.
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 Fidel Escobar in the Panama World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Fidel Escobar is in Panama's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Fidel Escobar play?
He is listed as a defender for Panama.
How many international caps and goals does Fidel Escobar have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 97 caps and 4 goals for Panama.
Who are Panama's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
Panama face Ghana, Croatia and England in the group stage.
When is Fidel Escobar's first World Cup 2026 match?
Panama start against Ghana on 17 June 2026 in Toronto.
What is Fidel Escobar's latest club form?
He plays for Saprissa 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 |