With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, another star player coming to the Meadowlands for the tournament is being put in the spotlight. This week, the focus will be on Aníbal Godoy, a defensive midfielder for Panama. While Panama is making just its second appearance in the FIFA World Cup, Godoy brings a level of experience to the team.
Godoy began his career with Panamanian club Chepo, before joining Argentine club Godoy Cruz on a loan. Upon his return to Chepo in 2013, he signed with Hungarian club Honvéd Budapest. After two years with the club, Godoy signed with the San Jose Earthquakes, an MLS club, in 2015. Following his signing, Godoy has remained in the MLS for the past decade.
In November 2017, Godoy signed a multi-year contract extension with the club and was named as the team’s vice-captain in the following season. However, at the end of the 2019 season, Godoy went to Nashville SC for the club’s first season in the MLS. After five seasons and 87 regular season starts for the club, Godoy was released at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
Godoy soon after joined another new team, playing for San Diego FC for the team’s inaugural season. As the 2026 MLS season kicks off, Godoy remains on San Diego FC’s roster heading into the new season.
Godoy’s career with Panama has been historic, as he has the most appearances for the country of any player with 155. In 2010, Godoy made his senior debut for the country, marking the start of his tenure with the team, which has lasted over a decade.
When Panama made history, earning the country’s first ever appearance in the FIFA World Cup in 2018, Godoy was a member of the squad. He appeared in all three group stage matches of the tournament, however, the team was unable to tally any wins and advance.
Panama is currently ranked as the 33rd best team in the world, a significant increase from the 55th spot that the team held at the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The appearance this year will be just the team’s second in the tournament, as 2018 marked the first time that Panama was able to qualify.
Panama will be facing off against Ghana, Croatia and England for the team’s three group stage matches. On Jun. 27 at 5 p.m., Panama and England will face off at MetLife Stadium, a rematch of their meeting at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which ended in a 6-1 win for England. Godoy and Panama will look to avenge the defeat in what will be the team’s third and final group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.