Ex-Leeds manager ruins fairytale story as he qualifies for 2026 World Cup

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Published on:

19 Nov 2025, 4:40 am

Thomas Christiansen guided Panama to the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, beating El Salvador 3-0 to win their group.

While multiple Leeds players were trying to qualify for the World Cup this month, so was former manager Christiansen.

The 52-year-old has been in charge of the CONCACAF nation since 2020 and failed to get his side to the Qatar World Cup in 2022.

However, he has now made up for this error, guiding Panama to the upcoming tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico to the dismay of Suriname.

Dan James helped Wales reach the World Cup playoffs this month (Credit: Imago)

Thomas Christiansen’s Panama qualify for the 2026 World Cup

While Christiansen’s reign at Leeds was unmemorable, he has made memories that will last a lifetime for many Panama fans.

The nation looked destined to miss out on the World Cup as they went into the game needing a win, while also hoping that either Suriname wouldn’t pick up three points or Panama could overcome their superior goal difference.

However, Panama's miracle came to pass, with Suriname losing 3-1 to Guatemala, while Panama’s 3-0 win over El Salvador helped Christiansen’s side top the group.

This now means that Suriname will have to go through the playoffs to qualify for their first World Cup. The nation were just one game from qualification, despite being ranked 126th in the world, meaning their fairytale story has now taken a big hit.

As a result, Panama have now qualified for their second-ever World Cup, with their only previous entry being in 2018.

Read more: Roy Keane comments show Troy Parrott ready for Leeds United challenge

Which Leeds players have now qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

Going into the tournament, Leeds could be represented by multiple players in the World Cup.

Brenden Aaronson will also be expecting a call-up from the US as they look to make a good accounting of themselves as hosts.

On top of this, Ao Tanaka could represent Japan, while Noah Okafor will be aiming to get back into the Switzerland squad for the summer.

Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow, and Dan James will be aiming to win the playoffs with Wales next year to qualify for the tournament.

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Thomas Christiansen