Panamanian striker Cecilio Waterman and midfielder José Luis Rodríguez got into a physical altercation during training on June 26, 2026, just two days before Panama’s final Group L match against England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The incident occurred during a closed-door session, with teammates stepping in to separate the two players after a late challenge by Rodríguez during a small-sided drill escalated into pushing and a heated verbal exchange.
A squad already out of contention
Panama entered their final group-stage fixture against England already eliminated from the tournament, having collected zero points across three matches.
Waterman, a 35-year-old striker who plays his club football for Chile’s Universidad de Concepción, had earned his first World Cup selection for the 2026 tournament.
