Panama qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for a second time in eight years, returning after their 2018 appearance in Russia. They advanced through two rounds of CONCACAF qualifying, topping their group in the second round with a perfect record, scoring 10 goals and conceding one. In the next round, they overcame early struggles, finishing above Suriname after key wins, including a 3-2 victory at Guatemala and a 3-0 win over El Salvador on the final match day. At Russia 2018, Panama finished bottom of their group after losses to Belgium, England, and Tunisia, with Felipe Baloy’s historic goal against England standing out. Now, Panama enter 2026 as Central America’s highest ranked side, determined to challenge top opponents.
"Panama are World Cup-bound for a second time in eight years, but in 2026, they're not there to just make up the numbers. Eight years after hearing their national anthem on football's grandest stage for the first time, Panama will have the chance to relive that surge of national pride at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Having navigated a challenging qualification campaign, they return to the tournament as Central America's highest ranked side, ready to test themselves against some of the world's best nations."
"Panama underwent two rounds of qualifying to punch their ticket to the World Cup. Their journey began in the second round of CONCACAF qualifying when they topped their group with a perfect record, beating Nicaragua, Guyana, Montserrat and Belize. During this run, Panama scored 10 goals and conceded just one. The next round posed a greater challenge. Drawn alongside Suriname, Guatemala and El Salvador, Panama had just six points after four match days but found their stride when it mattered most, posting a 3-2 win at Guatemala before a 3-0 triumph against El Salvador."
"The victory over El Salvador on the final match day on November 18 moved Panama above Suriname in the standings, thereby securing their spot at the world's biggest football tournament. Panama made their World Cup debut at the 2018 edition in Russia, finishing bottom of their group after defeats to eventual semifinalists Belgium and England as well as Tunisia. However, their campaign was best remembered for Felipe Baloy's historic strike against the Three Lions: Panama's"
"In the words of head coach Thomas Christiansen, Panama are determined to go toe-to-toe with their more illustrious opponents and firmly put the country on the map as a regional football power. Here's all to know about Panama before the tournament kickoff on June 11: Panama will compete at only their second FIFA World Cup, returning to the grand stage after their appearance at Russia 2018."
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Read at www.aljazeera.com
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