In the 90'+3 minute of stoppage time, a Mexican attack in the penalty area allowed the Aztec team to take the lead in the match, thanks to an own goal by central defender Richard Peralta. Panama had just drawn 1-1 with Bolivia away and will now have to wait until March when they will play two more matches on a FIFA date. In the first half, Mexico had more control and possession, although the Panamanian defense managed to prevent that control from turning into goals. Offensively, Panama's attack was virtually non-existent. As soon as they tried to go on the offensive, Mexico pressed and caused the national team to lose the ball. This situation meant that forward Kadir Barría had few attacking opportunities but contributed with his defense. At the start of the second half, Panama looked a bit better in attack, and their first shot on goal came in the 64th minute through Ángel Caicedo, who came on in the second half for Ricardo Phillips Jr. After this match, Panama's next fixture will be in March during the FIFA date, where it is expected that the national team will play two friendly matches abroad against one or two yet-to-be-announced rivals. These matches will serve Panama as preparation for their participation in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Panama is placed in Group L of the World Cup alongside England, Ghana, and Croatia. Panama was on the verge of holding a 0-0 draw with Mexico, but a lapse in concentration at the end of the match cost the National Team a 1-0 defeat in a friendly match held at the Rommel Fernández National Stadium. The Panamanian team had a great defensive performance against a Mexico that controlled the match, mainly in the first half.
