Panama 's already brutal World Cup spiraled even further out of control Friday — and it wasn't even because of another loss.
Ahead of its clash with England on Saturday, the winless team's practice turned violent as teammates Cecilio Waterman and José Luis Rodríguez clashed during an argument.
After Waterman took issue with Rodríguez, the pair pushed and shoved each other around, and Waterman swiped his arm at a teammate as another player tried to calm things down.
Waterman then pointed a finger and chased after Rodriguez, while his teammates kept pushing him away from the situation before it was resolved.
Cecilio Waterman of Panama reacts during the FIFA WorldCup 2026 Group L match June 17. FIFA via Getty Images
Once the fight ended, the open training session continued.
Panama manager Thomas Christiansen was a fan of what transpired during practice.
"This is a normal situation," Christiansen told reporters . "I would have liked to see it more often, it means the team is alive, they are willing to do a good effort and being in the squad fighting for the first XI."
Panama's game against England won't matter, as the former clinched last place in Group L with losses to Ghana and Croatia , where it failed to score a goal.
Panama's Jose Luis Rodriguez reacts on the field. REUTERS
Panama opened the Group Stage with a competitive 1-0 loss to Ghana, where goalie Orlando Mosquera largely held Ghana in check, but their offense fell flat.
It was more of the same on Tuesday, when Panama fell to Croatia 1-0.
Even though Panama is eliminated and won't be playing in the tournament, Christiansen still wants his team to put its best foot forward against England.
"[England] is probably the toughest opponent in the group. Our goal is to compete," Christiansen said.
