Panama World Cup Story: Shakira and Burna Boy with the Official Dai Dai Music Anthem and World Cup 2026 Video

Panama’s World Cup story is a modern underdog fairy tale, transitioning from a squad that had never qualified to a regular presence on the global stage.

The Miracle of 2018

For decades, Los Canaleros (The Canal Men) were an afterthought in CONCACAF. That changed in October 2017 when Panama achieved an impossible dream to qualify for their first-ever World Cup. Needing a win against Costa Rica on the final day—while simultaneously hoping the USA lost to Trinidad & Tobago—Panama pulled off a dramatic 2-1 victory sealed by an 88th-minute goal from captain Román Torres. The win eliminated the USA and sent the entire country of Panama into such a frenzy that the President declared the following day a national holiday.

Tournament Debut in Russia

Making their debut at the 2018 tournament in Russia, Panama was placed in a tough group with Belgium, England, and Tunisia. Though they lost all three matches and were knocked out in the group stage, the tournament provided a profoundly emotional moment for the country. In a 6-1 defeat to England, veteran Felipe Baloy scored Panama’s first-ever World Cup goal, which was celebrated by the team and their traveling fans as if it were a tournament victory.

The 2026 Return

Under the management of Danish coach Thomas Christiansen, Panama successfully navigated the expanded qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. By securing the top spot in their group in the third round of CONCACAF qualifiers, Panama punched their ticket to their second-ever men’s World Cup.

For the tournament, Panama made international headlines by setting up their official base camp in the Canadian countryside. Taking up residence at the Nottawasaga Resort in Alliston, Ontario—about an hour outside of Toronto—the team trained on a professional, FIFA-regulation pitch built over what used to be a family sod farm.

The Nottawasaga Resort in Alliston, Ontario, is in the global spotlight as the official, private base camp for Team Panama during the FIFA World Cup. It is one of only two official team base camps in all of Canada.

The resort has heavily upgraded its facilities to meet elite FIFA standards for the Panama national squad. To explore pictures of the training pitches, the grounds, and Team Panama’s setup, you can check out:

Panama: Live coverage begins of Panama’s final match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup from Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri. Thomas Christiansen’s team faces Bosnia and Herzegovina this afternoon in what will be much more than just a friendly game: It is the final test, the last adjustment, the last chance to arrive in top form for the biggest tournament in the world.  The ball started rolling at 2:00 pm Panama time.  Panama will wear red, while Bosnia will wear blue. The temperature is 31 degrees Celsius under cloudy skies in Missouri, and the match will be officiated by Mexican referee Enrique Santander, assisted by his compatriots Enrique Bustos and Enedina Caudillo on the sidelines, and American Alexis Ferreira as the fourth official.

Panama’s national team concluded its World Cup preparations with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Energizer Stadium in St. Louis, in an intense and demanding match that left positive feelings for the team led by Thomas Christiansen ahead of its debut in the 2026 World Cup.  From the outset, the European side imposed a high tempo, pressing high and forcing Panama into errors in their build-up play. Bosnia threatened early with dangerous attacks, but the Panamanian defense, led by Edgardo Fariña and Jiovany Ramos, managed to keep a clean sheet in the opening minutes.  La Roja responded with order and had their first clear chance in the 15th minute, when Yoel Bárcenas tested the opposing goalkeeper with a powerful shot.  The final stretch was end-to-end. Bosnia hit the post in the 76th minute with a shot from Bajraktarevic, while Panama responded with persistence, especially down the left flank, with Londoño a key player.

La Roja created several set-piece opportunities and shots inside the box, but failed to find the net for a second goal.  Orlando Mosquera also had key interventions in the final minutes, showing security between the posts and maintaining the tie against the attempts of the European team. With the final whistle in the 93rd minute, Panama concluded its preparations with a draw that leaves a positive impression, especially due to the team’s ability to react, tactical discipline, and competitiveness shown against a European opponent. The team now sets its sights on its World Cup debut against Ghana, confident after having competed on equal terms in its final warm-up match.  Good performance from the Panamanian national team. A very solid match that leaves a positive impression ahead of the World Cup.

• Social Media: View behind-the-scenes preparation photos on the Nottawasaga Resort Instagram Page.

• Facebook Updates: See pictures of the recently installed, FIFA-quality natural grass fields on the Nottawasaga Resort Facebook Profile.

• News Coverage: Read about how the rural Ontario town became a World Cup destination and view on-site footage via the CBC News Feature or watch the CBC Toronto YouTube Video.