Christiansen calls matches against South Africa key to World Cup 2026 prep

Panama's coach Thomas Christiansen stated on Thursday, ahead of the first of two friendly matches against South Africa, that these games will be 'key' to the team's preparation for the 2026 World Cup. They will also serve to assess the players' attitude in a high-level match. Christiansen noted that there is little time left before the World Cup begins, so every match must be given maximum importance, conclusions must be drawn, and it is necessary to see what is required from the players. Previously, Belgium's coach Hugo Broos had said that choosing Panama for these two games was not a mistake, as the Central American team has the same style of play as Mexico, their first opponent in the 2026 World Cup. Christiansen also emphasized that the team has a good mix of young players, such as Martín Krug and Kadir Barría, and that experienced players should bring 'enthusiasm and, above all, knowledge' to the newcomers when making decisions on the field. Panama and South Africa will face each other in the first of two friendly matches at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The match is scheduled for 1:00 PM Panama time. In the FIFA January rankings, South Africa is in 60th place, while Panama is 33rd. In the past, at the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Panama defeated South Africa in the quarter-finals, beating them 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The match took place at the Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Christiansen has called up 23 players, including defender Jiovany Ramos, who joined the squad. 'I believe that one learns from the experience of others and from what one has lived as a professional player, which is why it is very important to mix that veteran presence with youth,' he said. On Thursday, the Panamanian national team completed its last training session before Friday's match. The work, carried out at the Sugar Ray Stadium in Clermont, a South African municipality in Durban, lasted 90 minutes.