Honestly, if you had told a casual fan ten years ago that we'd be obsessing over a Panama soccer team schedule for a second World Cup appearance in three cycles, they might’ve laughed. But here we are. 2026 is officially the year of Los Canaleros.
The vibe in Panama City right now is electric, and for good reason. Thomas Christiansen has turned this squad into a disciplined, possession-oriented machine that doesn't just "park the bus" anymore. They actually play. And the road ahead? It's grueling, exciting, and frankly, a bit terrifying when you look at the names they have to face.
Whether you're planning a trip to Toronto or just trying to figure out when to call out of work to watch the game on TV, you need the specifics. No fluff. Just the dates, the venues, and why these matches actually matter.
The Immediate Outlook: January Friendlies
Before the big dance in June, Panama is getting some work in early. They aren't sitting around waiting for the grass to grow.
Right now, the team is gearing up for two crucial international friendlies this month. These aren't just "show" games; they are the last real opportunities for fringe players to prove they belong on that 26-man roster.
January 18, 2026: Bolivia vs. Panama
This one is happening in Tarija, Bolivia. Playing at altitude is always a nightmare, but it's exactly the kind of "character building" Christiansen loves. The match kicks off at 3:00 PM CST. Expect to see some experimentation with the backline here.
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January 22, 2026: Panama vs. Mexico
This is the big one for the local fans. It's set for 7:00 PM CST. Any time Panama faces El Tri, it's personal. It’s a chance to measure themselves against one of the giants of CONCACAF before both teams head off to their respective World Cup hubs.
The Main Event: 2026 World Cup Group L
This is what everyone is actually searching for. Panama was drawn into Group L, which is... well, it's a "Group of Death" lite. They’ll be spending a lot of time in Canada before heading down to the States.
Match 1: The Physical Battle in Toronto
Date: June 17, 2026
Opponent: Ghana
Location: BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Ghana is fast. They are physical. And they are notoriously difficult to break down in opening matches. For Panama, this is the "must-win" or at least the "must-not-lose." If they drop points here, the hill becomes almost impossible to climb. Adalberto Carrasquilla will need to be the best player on the pitch for Panama to dictate the tempo.
Match 2: The Tactical Chess Match
Date: June 23, 2026
Opponent: Croatia
Location: BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
Time: 7:00 PM ET
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Croatia is aging, sure, but they are masters of the dark arts of midfield play. This is a first-time meeting at this level. Panama’s defense, likely led by Fidel Escobar and Murillo, will be under siege from a team that knows how to keep the ball for 90 minutes. It's going to be a long night in Toronto, but if Panama can snag a draw, they’ll be the talk of the tournament.
Match 3: The New Jersey Showdown
Date: June 27, 2026
Opponent: England
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Time: 5:00 PM ET
A rematch of the 2018 heartbreak. Everyone remembers the 6-1 drubbing in Russia, but they also remember Felipe Baloy’s goal—the most celebrated "consolation" goal in the history of the sport. England is currently one of the favorites to win the whole thing. Panama closing out the group stage at MetLife is a poetic, high-stakes finale.
Why This Schedule Is Different This Time
People keep asking if this is just a repeat of 2018. It isn't.
Back then, Panama felt like they were just happy to be there. They were the underdog story of the year. This time, the expectations are higher. They topped Group A in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for a reason. They took down El Salvador 3-0 in a clinical performance to seal their spot, leapfrogging Suriname in the process.
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The "dynamic duo" of Jose Fajardo and Cecilio Waterman is a real threat now. They aren't just chasing long balls; they are finishing chances created by a sophisticated midfield.
How to Follow the Panama Soccer Team Schedule
If you are trying to catch these games, you’ve basically got two options:
- Be there in person: Tickets for the Ghana match in Toronto are starting around $256, but the England game in New Jersey is already north of $400 on secondary markets like SeatPick.
- Broadcasts: In Panama, TVN and RPC remain the homes of the national team. For those in the States, FOX Sports has the English rights, while Telemundo/Peacock will handle the Spanish side of things.
The reality is that Panama has become the "bridge" team of Central America. They've moved past the era of just being "scrappy." They are legitimate.
Actionable Next Steps:
If you're planning to follow Los Canaleros this summer, sync your calendar now for the June 17th opener. Most fans overlook the fact that travel between Toronto and New Jersey during a World Cup will be a logistical nightmare—if you’re going, book your flights across the border today. Also, keep an eye on the injury report for Aníbal Godoy; his veteran presence in that January match against Mexico will tell us a lot about his fitness levels heading into the summer.