The National Football Team, which has qualified for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, was received at the Palace of Las Garzas by the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, who highlighted their tenacity, commitment, and effort in putting Panama on the map. Erick Davis, Cristian “El Fulo” Martínez, Alberto “Negrito” Quintero, Edgardo Fariña, and Jovani Welch, on behalf of their teammates, were congratulated for their effort on the field. They qualified undefeated after six final stage matches, results that have earned them a spot in the World Cup as group leaders and the only representative from Central America for this event.
“Their qualification is a great demonstration of their effort; they shone and this places them among the top names of the countries that will compete in the World Cup,” he stated. He also highlighted the government's efforts in building new sports facilities for our athletes, mentioning the High Performance Center in Juan Díaz, where the National Team held its last training sessions. He emphasized that in these types of competitions, where a World Cup spot is at stake, no team gives up or cedes space; it must be achieved with victories.
Meanwhile, Thomas Christiansen, the team's strategist, expressed that nothing unites a country like football. He looks forward with enthusiasm to the group draw, which will take place on December 5 in the United States, and stated that both players and technical staff will prepare to give their best performance at the World Cup.
Manuel Arias, president of the Panamanian Football Federation (Fepafut), highlighted the achievements of Panamanian footballers, who in recent World Cup editions have managed to qualify the men's national teams (U-17, U-20, and Senior), while the women's team will participate in its first FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining the growth of Panamanian football and developing new infrastructure. He noted that currently, a little over 170 Panamanian footballers play abroad.
“'The national team players are a sample of tenacity and commitment to the country,' said Mulino.” “'They gave a tank of happiness to all the Panamanian people,' expressed President Mulino.” He also highlighted the support of all Panamanians who filled the Rommel Fernández stadium and took to the streets to enjoy this milestone upon their return, marking their second appearance in the world's biggest football tournament after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The head of state also noted the positive cascading effect of this qualification on the economy by internationalizing the team and the name of Panama through football.
“Negrito” Quintero expressed his satisfaction at being part of the group of players who are giving this moment of joy to the Panamanian people and highlighted the strength of each of his teammates.
