World Cup 2026 | César Yanis: 'We want to make history, not repeat 2018'

César Yanis is embracing his role as a substitute for the Panamanian national team at the 2026 World Cup, expressing a strong desire to contribute and make history. "Who wouldn't want more minutes, who wouldn't want to add?" Yanis admitted to the media, acknowledging the natural wish for more playing time.

However, the midfielder stressed a positive mindset, stating, "I'm going to enjoy it from wherever I'm needed. If I'm on the bench, I'll enjoy it. I'll be well, working very hard for when it's my turn to go in and make the most of it." Panama is in Group L with England, Croatia, and Ghana, competing for two spots in the knockout stage.

Yanis conveyed the team's ambition to exceed past performances, declaring, "We want to make history, we want to do things right. Not what happened in 2018, we want to go further." The team is determined to erase the memory of their 6-1 defeat to England in the 2018 World Cup.

Looking ahead to their debut match against Ghana on June 17 in Toronto, Yanis acknowledged the opponent's strength but remained confident. "It will be a tough opponent, we know the caliber of players they have, but it's a match we can win." He highlighted that a victory in the opening game could significantly shape Panama's World Cup journey, with only six days of preparation remaining.