The end of March marks the start of the first FIFA match window of 2026, the last before the season concludes and players join their national teams for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Panama will be one of those 48 teams and is already preparing for the World Cup, traveling this week—separately—to the southern part of the African continent to face South Africa in two friendly matches. Here is their performance.
José “Coto” Córdoba Córdoba returns to a call-up after an injury in the first matchday of the final stage of the Concacaf qualifiers against Guatemala at Rommel Fernández. The Norwich City defender played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 victory over Charlton, acting as a center-back in a three-man line.
Playing a full match just days before a friendly is a good sign for the player and for Thomas Christiansen, reflecting his physical condition and current level.
Roderick Miller Roderick Miller returns to a call-up for the first time in over a year.
Panama enters a crucial week with several of its legionaries arriving with minutes and rhythm from Europe. Club football in Europe is on pause. On Wednesday, he played 90 minutes in the 2-1 victory over Ried, which qualified his team for the Austrian Cup final. On Sunday, he again played 90 minutes in the 4-2 defeat to Rapid Vienna.
Beyond the result, accumulating 180 minutes in a few days is great news for the national team.
César Blackman César Blackman again played the full 90 minutes in the victory of Slovan Bratislava.
He is one of the most consistent Panamanian players in Europe, and his continued playing time remains key for the national team.
Michael Amir Murillo Michael Amir Murillo was likely the most outstanding Panamanian player of the week. The Beşiktaş full-back played 90 minutes and provided an assist in the victory against Kasımpaşa.
Since his arrival in Turkish football, he has shown a high level and returns to the national team in great form.
A week that says a lot With several players accumulating minutes and taking the spotlight, Panama arrives with positive signals for the friendlies against South Africa. Now, the challenge will be to transfer that rhythm to the national team context, one of the final stops before the World Cup.
An own goal in stoppage time, which meant the opponent's second goal. Among the convocados are the legionaries who play in Europe, most of whom were in action this past weekend.
Plays like these are part of football.
Martín Krug Martín Krug did not see action this weekend with Levante, who won 4-2 against Real Oviedo.
Andrés Andrade Andrés Andrade had a busy week with LASK Linz. The Turan Tovuz defender played 90 minutes in his team's 3-2 victory.
So, the negative note?
