Panama national football team facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Panama

Nickname(s)	Los Canaleros (The Canal Men) La Marea Roja (The Red Tide)
Association	Federación Panameña de Fútbol (FEPAFUT)
Confederation	CONCACAF (North America)
Sub-confederation	UNCAF (Central America)
Head coach	Thomas Christiansen
Captain	Aníbal Godoy
Most caps	Aníbal Godoy (152)
Top scorer	Luis Tejada (43)
Home stadium	Estadio Nacional Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez
FIFA code	PAN
First colours Second colours Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current	76 5 (7 February 2019)
Highest	29 (March 2014)
Lowest	150 (August 1995)
First international
Panama 2–1 Venezuela  (Panama City, Panama; 12 February 1938)
Biggest win
Anguilla 0–13 Panama  (Panama City, Panama; 5 June 2021)
Biggest defeat
Panama 0–11 Costa Rica  (Panama City, Panama; 16 February 1938)
World Cup
Appearances	1 (first in 2018)
Best result	Group stage (2018)
CONCACAF Championship / Gold Cup
Appearances	13 (first in 1963)
Best result	Runners-up (2005, 2013, 2023)
CONCACAF Nations League
Appearances	3 (first in 2023)
Best result	Runners-up (2025)
Copa América
Appearances	2 (first in 2016)
Best result	Quarter-finals (2024)
Medal record CONCACAF Gold Cup Silver 2005 United States Team Silver 2013 United States Team Silver 2023 United States and Canada Team Bronze 2015 United States and Canada Team CONCACAF Nations League Silver 2025 United States Team Copa Centroamericana Gold 2009 Honduras Team Silver 2007 El Salvador Team Silver 2017 Panama Team Bronze 1993 Honduras Team Bronze 2011 Panama Team Bronze 2014 United States Team CCCF Championship Gold 1951 Panama Team Bronze 1948 Guatemala Team

The Panama national football team (also known as Los Canaleros or The Canal Men) plays for Panama in international football. They are managed by the Panamanian Football Federation (FEPAFUT). Panama joined FIFA in 1938 and was a founding member of CONCACAF in 1961.

Panama made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2018, which was held in Russia. They even scored their first World Cup goal against England. Panama has also been a runner-up three times in the CONCACAF Gold Cup (in 2005, 2013, and 2023). They also finished second in the CONCACAF Nations League in 2025.

Panama's Football Journey

Early Years and Key Tournaments

Panama's football team has been around for a long time. They were part of the CCCF, an older football group for Central America and the Caribbean, before CONCACAF was formed. Panama won the CCCF Championship in 1951 when they hosted the tournament.

They also won the Copa Centroamericana in 2009. In that final, they beat Costa Rica in a penalty shootout after the game ended 0-0.

Exciting Gold Cup Runs

Panama has had some memorable moments in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

2011 Gold Cup Success

In the 2011 Gold Cup, Panama was in a tough group with Canada, United States, and Guadeloupe. They started strong with a 3-2 win over Guadeloupe and then surprised everyone by beating the United States 2-1. They tied 1-1 with Canada, winning their group for the first time. Panama then won against El Salvador in the quarter-finals in a penalty shootout. They faced the United States again in the semi-finals but lost 1-0.

2013 Gold Cup Final Appearance

Two years later, in the 2013 Gold Cup, Panama started with a 2-1 win against Mexico, with Gabriel Torres scoring both goals. They also beat Martinique 1-0. These wins helped them get into the knockout rounds. They tied 0-0 with Canada, securing first place in their group.

In the quarter-finals, they easily beat Cuba 6-1, with Blas Pérez and Gabriel Torres each scoring two goals. They met Mexico again in the semi-finals and won 2-1, reaching the final for the second time. In the final, they played the United States, who had beaten them in the 2005 final. Panama lost 1-0, but it was still a great achievement.

2015 Gold Cup Third Place

In the 2015 Gold Cup, Panama had many 1-1 draws in their group games against the United States, Haiti, and Honduras. This was enough to move them to the knockout stage. They beat Trinidad and Tobago in the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout.

In the semi-finals, they played Mexico. The game was tied 1-1 after regular time. Mexico won 2-1 in extra time after being awarded a penalty. Panama then played for third place against the United States. The game ended 1-1 after extra time, and Panama won 3-2 on penalties, earning them third place.

Road to the World Cup: 2018 Qualification

Panama came very close to qualifying for the 2014 World Cup but lost in the final moments of their last game. However, four years later, Los Canaleros finally made it to the World Cup!

They qualified for the 2018 World Cup by defeating Costa Rica 2-1 in their last qualifying match. Román Torres scored the winning goal in the 87th minute, becoming a national hero. The President of Panama even declared a national holiday to celebrate this amazing achievement!

Panama's First World Cup Experience

Panama national football team in 2024.

At the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Panama was in Group G with strong teams like Belgium, England, and Tunisia.

Their first World Cup match was against Belgium on June 18, 2018. Panama held them to 0-0 at halftime but eventually lost 3-0. Six days later, they faced England and lost 6-1. However, Felipe Baloy scored Panama's first-ever World Cup goal in that match, which was a historic moment! Panama lost their final game 2-1 to Tunisia, finishing last in their group. Even though they lost all their games, it was an incredible experience for the team and the country.

Team Information

Team Kit Sponsors

The Panama national football team has had different companies make their uniforms over the years.

Kit supplier	Period
Kappa	2000
Lotto	2002-2014
New Balance	2015–2023
Reebok	2023–present

Coaching Staff

Here are the main coaches for the Panama national football team:

Position	Name
Head coach	, Thomas Christiansen
Assistant coach	Francisco Javier Sánchez Jara
Assistant coach	Jorge Dely Valdés
Goalkeeping coach	Donaldo González

Team Managers Over Time

Many different managers have led the Panama national football team throughout its history.

Current Players

Here are the players who were called up for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The numbers for games played (caps) and goals are correct as of June 20, 2025, after the match against Guatemala.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1	1GK	Luis Mejía	(1991-03-16) 16 March 1991 (age 34)	55	0	Nacional
12	1GK	JD Gunn	(2000-01-24) 24 January 2000 (age 25)	0	0	New England Revolution II
22	1GK	Orlando Mosquera	(1994-12-25) 25 December 1994 (age 30)	36	0	Al-Fayha
2	2DF	César Blackman	(1998-04-02) 2 April 1998 (age 27)	31	2	Slovan Bratislava
3	2DF	José Córdoba	(2001-06-03) 3 June 2001 (age 24)	25	0	Norwich City
4	2DF	Fidel Escobar	(1995-01-09) 9 January 1995 (age 30)	88	4	Saprissa
5	2DF	Edgardo Fariña	(2001-09-21) 21 September 2001 (age 23)	14	0	Unattached
14	2DF	Carlos Harvey	(2000-02-03) 3 February 2000 (age 25)	17	1	Minnesota United
15	2DF	Eric Davis	(1991-03-31) 31 March 1991 (age 34)	96	8	Plaza Amador
16	2DF	Andrés Andrade	(1998-10-16) 16 October 1998 (age 26)	39	1	LASK
19	2DF	Iván Anderson	(1997-11-24) 24 November 1997 (age 27)	13	1	Marathón
23	2DF	Michael Murillo	(1996-02-11) 11 February 1996 (age 29)	85	9	Marseille
26	2DF	Jorge Gutiérrez	(1998-09-01) 1 September 1998 (age 26)	9	0	Deportivo La Guaira
6	3MF	Cristian Martínez	(1997-02-06) 6 February 1997 (age 28)	54	2	Ironi Kiryat Shmona
7	3MF	José Rodríguez	(1998-06-19) 19 June 1998 (age 27)	58	7	Juárez
8	3MF	Víctor Griffith	(2000-12-12) 12 December 2000 (age 24)	13	0	St. Johnstone
13	3MF	Janpol Morales	(1998-06-22) 22 June 1998 (age 27)	5	0	Macará
20	3MF	Aníbal Godoy (captain)	(1990-02-10) 10 February 1990 (age 35)	150	4	San Diego
21	3MF	César Yanis	(1996-01-28) 28 January 1996 (age 29)	53	5	Cobresal
25	3MF	Edward Cedeño	(2003-07-05) 5 July 2003 (age 22)	2	0	Las Palmas
9	4FW	Eduardo Guerrero	(2000-02-21) 21 February 2000 (age 25)	21	3	Dynamo Kyiv
10	4FW	Ismael Díaz	(1997-05-12) 12 May 1997 (age 28)	47	12	Universidad Católica
11	4FW	Azarias Londoño	(2001-06-21) 21 June 2001 (age 24)	6	0	Universidad Católica
24	4FW	Tomás Rodríguez	(1999-03-09) 9 March 1999 (age 26)	8	2	Monagas
	4FW	Kahiser Lenis	(2000-07-23) 23 July 2000 (age 25)	10	2	Jaguares
	4FW	Gustavo Herrera	(2005-11-18) 18 November 2005 (age 19)	1	0	Saprissa

Players Called Up Recently

These players have been called up to the national team within the past year.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
GK	César Samudio	(1994-03-26) 26 March 1994 (age 31)	4	0	Marathón	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
GK	Eddie Roberts	(1994-05-01) 1 May 1994 (age 31)	2	0	Independiente	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
GK	Marcos De León	(1998-01-20) 20 January 1998 (age 27)	0	0	Sporting San Miguelito	v.  Chile, 8 February 2025
GK	Cecilio Burgess	(2005-10-21) 21 October 2005 (age 19)	0	0	UMECIT	Microcycle, 28–30 January 2025
DF	Harold Cummings	(1992-03-01) 1 March 1992 (age 33)	91	1	Xelajú	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
DF	Roderick Miller	(1992-04-03) 3 April 1992 (age 33)	46	2	Turan Tovuz	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
DF	Jiovany Ramos	(1997-01-26) 26 January 1997 (age 28)	17	0	Academia Puerto Cabello	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
DF	Eduardo Anderson	(2001-01-31) 31 January 2001 (age 24)	8	0	Saprissa	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
DF	Omar Valencia	(2004-06-08) 8 June 2004 (age 21)	3	0	New York Red Bulls	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
DF	Gabriel Brown	(1998-07-14) 14 July 1998 (age 27)	2	0	Sporting San José	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
DF	Érick Díaz	(2006-03-04) 4 March 2006 (age 19)	2	0	Los Angeles 2	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
DF	Martín Krug	(2006-07-09) 9 July 2006 (age 19)	1	0	Atlético Levante	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
DF	Aimar Modelo	(2005-01-25) 25 January 2005 (age 20)	1	0	New York Red Bulls II	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
DF	Ariel Arroyo	(2005-01-23) 23 January 2005 (age 20)	0	0	Árabe Unido	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
DF	Antony Herbert	(2005-03-12) 12 March 2005 (age 20)	0	0	Árabe Unido	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
DF	Reyniel Perdomo	(2001-04-28) 28 April 2001 (age 24)	3	0	Alianza	v.  Chile, 8 February 2025
DF	Orman Davis	(2002-12-25) 25 December 2002 (age 22)	1	0	Independiente	v.  Chile, 8 February 2025
DF	Alex Herman	(2001-01-26) 26 January 2001 (age 24)	0	0	Potros del Este	v.  Chile, 8 February 2025
DF	Ángel Díaz	(2005-10-15) 15 October 2005 (age 19)	0	0	Tauro	Microcycle, 28–30 January 2025
MF	Adalberto Carrasquilla	(1998-11-28) 28 November 1998 (age 26)	64	3	UNAM	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
MF	Abdiel Ayarza	(1992-09-12) 12 September 1992 (age 32)	34	4	The Strongest	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
MF	Freddy Góndola	(1995-09-18) 18 September 1995 (age 29)	24	1	Aktobe	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
MF	José Murillo	(1995-02-24) 24 February 1995 (age 30)	16	1	Plaza Amador	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
MF	Ricardo Phillips	(2001-05-06) 6 May 2001 (age 24)	8	0	Delfín	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
MF	Martín Morán	(2001-08-30) 30 August 2001 (age 23)	2	0	Septemvri Sofia	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
MF	Jorge Serrano	(1998-01-19) 19 January 1998 (age 27)	2	0	Motagua	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
MF	Giovany Herbert	(2005-03-12) 12 March 2005 (age 20)	1	0	Athletico Paranaense U20	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
MF	Daniel Aparicio	(2000-04-17) 17 April 2000 (age 25)	0	0	Real España	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
MF	Marlon Ávila	(1993-02-27) 27 February 1993 (age 32)	0	0	Independiente	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
MF	Osvaldo Lay	(2003-03-28) 28 March 2003 (age 22)	0	0	AV Alta	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
MF	Anel Ryce	(2006-07-06) 6 July 2006 (age 19)	0	0	Chornomorets Odesa	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
MF	Moisés Véliz	(2004-09-18) 18 September 2004 (age 20)	0	0	Huntsville City	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
MF	Edgar Bárcenas	(1993-10-23) 23 October 1993 (age 31)	95	9	Mazatlán	v.  United States, 20 March 2025 PRE
MF	Irving Gudiño	(2000-11-15) 15 November 2000 (age 24)	6	0	Tauro	v.  Chile, 8 February 2025
MF	Amable Pinzón	(2002-02-22) 22 February 2002 (age 23)	1	0	Veraguas United	v.  Chile, 8 February 2025
MF	Edilson Carrasquilla	(2002-06-06) 6 June 2002 (age 23)	0	0	San Francisco	v.  Chile, 8 February 2025
MF	Héctor Hurtado	(1998-12-23) 23 December 1998 (age 26)	0	0	Independiente	v.  Chile, 8 February 2025
MF	Everardo Rose	(1999-07-23) 23 July 1999 (age 26)	0	0	Plaza Amador	v.  Chile, 8 February 2025
MF	Diego Valanta	(2000-09-08) 8 September 2000 (age 24)	1	0	Sporting San Miguelito	Microcycle, 3–5 February 2025
MF	Vlair Simmons	(2001-09-17) 17 September 2001 (age 23)	0	0	Potros del Este	Microcycle, 3–5 February 2025
MF	Víctor Ávila	(1998-08-17) 17 August 1998 (age 26)	0	0	Macará	Microcycle, 28–30 January 2025
MF	Ovidio López	(2002-03-06) 6 March 2002 (age 23)	0	0	Plaza Amador	v. Universitario, 25 January 2025
FW	José Fajardo	(1993-08-18) 18 August 1993 (age 31)	57	15	Universidad Católica	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup INJ
FW	Cecilio Waterman	(1991-04-13) 13 April 1991 (age 34)	44	12	Coquimbo Unido	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup INJ
FW	Alfredo Stephens	(1994-12-25) 25 December 1994 (age 30)	29	1	Ironi Kiryat Shmona	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
FW	Jovani Welch	(1999-12-07) 7 December 1999 (age 25)	20	1	Millonarios	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
FW	Víctor Medina	(2001-02-18) 18 February 2001 (age 24)	4	0	Sporting San José	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
FW	Romeesh Ivey	(1994-07-14) 14 July 1994 (age 31)	2	0	Spartak Varna	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
FW	Rafael Mosquera	(2005-05-24) 24 May 2005 (age 20)	1	0	New York Red Bulls II	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
FW	Ansony Frías	(2001-10-02) 2 October 2001 (age 23)	0	0	Alianza	2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup PRE
FW	Adán Henricks	(2004-02-25) 25 February 2004 (age 21)	0	0	Sporting San Miguelito	Microcycle, 28–30 January 2025
FW	Reymundo Williams	(2004-01-07) 7 January 2004 (age 21)	0	0	Herrera	Microcycle, 28–30 January 2025
INJ Withdrew due to injury / absent form the nationaltea due to injury. COV Withdrew due to COVID-19 PRE Preliminary squad. RET Retired from the national team. SUS Serving Suspension. WD Withdrew for personal reasons.

Player Records and Achievements

Most Games Played

Aníbal Godoy is Panama's most capped player with 151 appearances.

These players have played the most games for Panama:

Top Goal Scorers

Luis Tejada is Panama's all-time top scorer with 43 goals.

These players have scored the most goals for Panama:

Team Achievements and Awards

Panama has won several awards and medals in different football competitions.

Continental Honours

• CONCACAF Gold Cup
  • Runners-up (3): 2005, 2013, 2023
  • Third place (1): 2015
• CONCACAF Nations League
  • Runners-up (1): 2024–25

Regional Honours

• CCCF Championship
  • Champions (1): 1951
  • Third place (1): 1948
• Copa de Naciones UNCAF / Copa Centroamericana
  • Champions (1): 2009
  • Runners-up (2): 2007, 2017
  • Third place (3): 1993, 2011, 2014
• Central American and Caribbean Games
  • Silver medal (1): 1946
• Bolivarian Games
  • Bronze medal (2): 1970, 1973

Special Awards

• CONCACAF Gold Cup Fair Play Trophy (1): 2013
• CONCACAF Nations League Fair Play Award (2): 2022-23, 2023-24

Overall Summary of Honours

This table shows Panama's official honours in major competitions:

Senior Competition				Total
CONCACAF Gold Cup	0	3	1	4
CONCACAF Nations League	0	1	0	1
CCCF Championship	1	0	1	2
Total	1	4	2	7

FIFA World Ranking History

The FIFA World Rankings show how well national teams are doing compared to others around the world. Panama's best ranking was 29th in March 2014. Their lowest ranking was 150th in August 1995.

     Best Ranking       Worst Ranking       Best Mover       Worst Mover  

Panama's FIFA World Ranking History
Rank	Year	Best		Worst
		Rank	Move	Rank	Move
	2025
36	2024	35	8	45	3
41	2023	41	12	58	0
61	2022	60	3	61	1
63	2021	63	6	78	1
78	2020	77	4	81	1
81	2019	74	2	81	5
71	2018	53	2	71	14
55	2017	49	11	61	9
58	2016	51	7	69	18
64	2015	53	8	65	8
57	2014	29	8	63	30
38	2013	35	11	51	8
51	2012	43	7	54	6
49	2011	49	15	68	13
64	2010	59	27	97	20
70	2009	50	33	83	9
88	2008	60	7	96	23
67	2007	52	20	80	14
81	2006	59	24	98	39
78	2005	76	15	101	3
100	2004	100	14	127	2
125	2003	116	9	130	4
129	2002	111		129	6
109	2001	109	10	125	2
121	2000	118	16	139	3
138	1999	133	5	143	2
131	1998	120	4	131	6
119	1997	103	1	119	5
101	1996	101	15	133	5
126	1995	126	15	150	15
140	1994	130	1	140	5
132	1993	125	1	132	5

More About Panama Football

• Panama national under-23 football team
• Panama national under-20 football team
• Panama national under-17 football team
• Football in Panama

See also

In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Panamá para niños