Panama’s World Cup Debut June 17: The Boys are Completing Their Final Rehearsal in Canada

Panama completed its final training session on Tuesday ahead of its highly anticipated debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when it faces Ghana on Wednesday at Toronto Stadium in a Group L match.  Just as they did in their first World Cup experience in Russia 2018, the Panamanian national team will once again play their opening match on the last day of the first round of games. The match against the African team is scheduled for 5:00 pm (Panama time) and will mark the start of the national team’s participation in their second senior World Cup.  The day began early at the Panamanian camp located at the Nottawasaga Resort Inn in New Tecumseth, Ontario. Below is the Mayor of New Tecumseth left and Panama coach Thomas Christiansen on the right.

At 9:00 a.m. local time, with a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, the 28 members of the delegation called up for this World Cup final stage met on one of the complex’s fields for their final training session before the match.  Long before training began, members of the equipment staff and part of the coaching team were already on the field finalizing details. Among the first players to arrive were Jorge Gutiérrez, Alberto Quintero, Carlos Harvey, and Éric Davis, who gradually entered the training area.  The practice session had a notable moment when, about 30 minutes after it began, Adalberto Carrasquilla pictured below, arrived.

Panamanian and international media followed the movements of the Pumas UNAM midfielder. Carrasquilla joined the group just as they were performing their traditional pre-training prayer and listening to instructions from coach Thomas Christiansen pictured below.  Subsequently, Adalberto followed a separate training program under the supervision of the national team’s medical and physical staff. His routine included short runs, resistance band exercises, and moderate ball work, while the rest of the players trained normally.  Meanwhile, the goalkeepers completed a specific training session under the guidance of coach Donaldo González, while the outfield players were divided into different groups to perform tactical and activation exercises.

The 15-minute media period then concluded.  Also remaining in the Panamanian camp are footballers Víctor Griffith and JD Gunn, who are part of the group as reserve players and have accompanied the team throughout the preparation prior to the World Cup debut.  The decision to train in New Tecumseth the day before the match was based on several logistical and sporting factors. The team opted to remain at their base camp due to the proximity of the facilities to the players’ accommodations, the possibility of a longer training session, and the secluded nature of the complex located about 90 kilometers from Toronto. Once the on-field training session is complete, the itinerary includes a follow-up session in the gym, followed by lunch. Afterward, the team will travel to their hotel in downtown Toronto, where they will stay until the match.

Tuesday’s Itinerary

Official activities will continue this afternoon with pre-match press conferences. At 2:30 pm Panama time, captain Aníbal Godoy pictured below, and head coach Thomas Christiansen will address the media at Toronto Stadium.  An hour earlier, it will be Ghana’s turn. Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, accompanied by one of his players, will speak to the press to offer his thoughts on the African team’s World Cup debut.  Ghana, meanwhile, arrived in Toronto from their camp in Rhode Island and is scheduled to hold their final training session at 7:00 p.m. in Centennial Park.  Panama and Ghana will open their participation in Group L this Wednesday, a group that also includes the national teams of Croatia and England.

Panama Government Decrees Closure of Public Offices from 2:00 PM for Panama’s Debut in the 2026 World Cup

The National Government decreed the closure of public offices throughout the country starting at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, on the occasion of the debut of the Panama soccer team in the 2026 World Cup.  According to the document, “while the players prepare to represent the country on the field, Panamanian fans are also organizing to support the team during their World Cup debut.”

The measure will be in effect on June 17th for the match between Panama and Ghana.