Panama

Panama are a two-time FIFA World Cup qualifier whose rise from regional outsider to consistent CONCACAF competitor is one of the more quietly impressive stories in Central American football.

Los Canaleros play a physical, direct style built on defensive organisation and set-piece threat, a reflection of the domestic structure that produces players comfortable in confrontational, athletic football. Roman Torres, the veteran central defender who scored the qualifying goal against Costa Rica in 2017 that sent Panama to their first-ever World Cup, became the national sport’s defining figure in a single moment. The current squad includes players from MLS and domestic leagues who bring collective effort over individual brilliance, but that collective has proven effective in qualifying cycles that reward consistency over style.

Panama’s debut at Russia 2018 was historically significant even if the results were difficult: they lost 3-0 to Belgium, 6-1 to England, and 2-1 to Tunisia. Felipe Baloy’s goal against England in the 78th minute was Panama’s first-ever World Cup goal, and the scenes of celebration among Panamanian supporters, players, and coaching staff were entirely genuine. A country of four million people had scored a World Cup goal. That matters.

The 2026 World Cup co-hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico offers Panama a different profile. CONCACAF teams benefit from the home-region context, and the Panamanian diaspora in the US is substantial. The question for this cycle is whether Panama can build on the experience of 2018 and compete with the stronger CONCACAF sides in the later rounds.

Panama operates on Eastern Time, UTC-5, with no daylight saving adjustment. A 20:00 kickoff in Panama City is 20:00 in New York, 01:00 in London, and 10:00 in Tokyo. Check Panama time for your local conversion.