Panama

Panama made a big leap forward at the last Gold Cup in 2023, beating the USA in the semi-final on penalties before losing to Mexico 1-0 in the final.

What to expect

In the Nations League the month before they had struggled, losing to a Canadian team in the semi-final at the peak of their powers that were very soon to wane. In contrast Panama just got better and better throughout the summer of 2023.

In Nations League qualifying they beat old enemies Costa Rica 6-1 in aggregate over two legs. It is was an emphatic establishment of their credentials as the current leading team in Central America.

Panama play Mexico in their semi-final and will be looking to continue on their improvement as they continue their transition under coach Thomas Christiansen. But playing Mexico at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington is not much different to playing them at the Azteca in Mexico City, such is the strength of the support in the US.

The Panamanians qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but just missed out on 2022 qualification to Costa Rica, and that hurt. They will see the Nations League matches as an important stepping stone towards preparing for the upcoming qualifyiers for the expanded 2026 World Cup in 2026.

Star players

The MLS pair of Houston Dynamo’s Adalberto Carrasquilla and Nashville’s Anibal Godoy have become the heartbeat of Panama’s midfield under Christiansen, and with Edgar Barcenas who plays his club football with Mazatlan in Mexico’s LigaMX, they will again look to drive their country past Mexico in the Nations League semi-final.

Up front Jose Fajardo’s goals have become increasingly important and more regular – he scored in both qualifying games against Costa Rica. Ismael Diaz, who plays his club football in Ecuador alongside Fajardo, has the ability to unlock defences but needs to find the back of the net more often. They are backed up by the old war horses of Cecilio Waterman and Alberto Quintero, who have long been a force on the Concacaf scene.

Right back Michael Murillo who last summer transferred from Belgium’s Anderlecht to Marseilles in Ligue 1 will be a big miss for Panama having picked up an injury at the end of January.

Manager

Thomas Christiansen has become one of the most respected managers in the Concacaf region since he took over Panama in 2020. Inheriting an established team, he is overseeing the team’s transition to a younger playing profile. With his generally quieter and respectful style, he has infused a belief into Panama’s players that they really can consistently compete with the elite in their region, rather than just playing on the fringes with the occasional win.

A striker, he was the top scorer in the 2002-03 Bundesliga while with Bochum. Born in Denmark to a Spanish mother, he played his international football for Spain as an U21 and winning two full caps. His managerial career is just 11 years old and has included spells at Leeds United and Union Berlin before he took the Panama job.

Schedule

March 21 vs Mexico, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas 7.15pm

March 24 vs either USA or Jamaica in 3^rd place decider or final, Arlington, 3pm or 6.15pm

Squad