FIFA President Gianni Infantino Congratulates Panama on Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup: ‘Welcome Back’

FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Panama on Tuesday for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the country’s footballing growth and its consolidation as an “emerging power in the Americas”.   “We welcome back the Panamanian team and congratulate them on their well-deserved qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. It was very exciting to see them debut in the 2018 edition in Russia,” Infantino said in an official message to Panamanian football. 

The leader highlighted the symbolic value of Panama’s return to the most important tournament on the planet in a historic edition organized in its region.  “It’s very special that they have a prominent role in a tournament that will make history, organized by their neighbors in Concacaf. Congratulations! See you at the final draw on December 5th in Washington. Hugs!” he concluded.

Key Victory at Home

Panama’s national team secured its second World Cup qualification after defeating El Salvador 3-0 at the Rommel Fernández stadium in the Panamanian capital, in the closing match of the Concacaf qualifying phase.  César Blackman’s early goal in the 17th minute paved the way for the celebrations. Eric Davis extended the lead from the penalty spot, and in the 85th minute, José Luis Rodríguez sealed the result with a powerful left-footed shot that unleashed local euphoria. 

Second World Cup for Panama

With this result, Panama returns to a World Cup for the second time in its history, after having debuted in Russia 2018, a performance that Infantino recalled as “exciting” for the international football community.  The country is now preparing to find out its rivals in the final draw of the tournament, scheduled for December 5, 2025 in Washington, USA.

Coach Thomas Christiansen Above Fulfilled a Dream by Qualifying the Panamanian National Team for its Second World Cup

Christiansen achieved the goal on Tuesday night, November 18, by defeating El Salvador 3-0 at home, in the last round of the qualifiers. “We are proud of what we achieved. I was hurt by the lack of confidence from some. They showed why they are Panama,” said Christiansen at the post-match press conference held at Rommel Fernández Stadium. 

Celebration in the Streets

After the final whistle, thousands of Panamanians took to the streets across the country to celebrate the historic qualification.  The atmosphere was one of joy and national pride, with families, young people and fans celebrating until late into the night Panama’s return to the World Cup.  Panama celebrates its qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the streets.  Panama woke up to celebrations after securing its place in the 2026 World Cup, with massive celebrations in the capital and the interior of the country.

President Mulino Celebrates Panama’s Qualification for the 2026 World Cup after the 3-0 victory over El Salvador and Invites Everyone to Celebrate ‘in Peace and with Pride’ for the Historic Achievement.