Panama, placed in Group L of the 2026 World Cup to be held between June and July in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will debut on June 17 against Ghana, to then face Croatia and England on June 23 and 27 respectively, in the group stage. The Panamanian national team is currently preparing to play two friendly matches against South Africa, scheduled for March 27 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and March 31 at the DHL Stadium. Panama's coach, the Spanish-Danish Thomas Christiansen, pointed out last Tuesday that these matches will serve as key tests to shape the final list of called-up players for the World Cup event. The president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, said this Thursday that he will travel to Canada in June next to attend the debut of the national football team against Ghana at the 2026 World Cup. "In June we have that great event, the World Cup; we will be in Canada supporting our selection," affirmed Mulino, at the inauguration of the Luis 'Matador' Tejada High Performance Center. The head of state added that he trusts that Panama can start with a victory in its first tournament commitment, precisely against the Ghanaian squad. "I want us to win the first event, which I think is against Ghana; we are going to give Ghana a beating," he said with a laugh.
