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September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Sports Desk • Soccer

Panama national football team

The Panama national football team represents Panama in men's international football and is governed by the Federación Panameña de Fútbol (FEPAFUT).

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

The Panama national football team, known as Los Canaleros or La Marea Roja, represents Panama in men's international football. It is governed by the Federación Panameña de Fútbol (FEPAFUT) and competes in CONCACAF and UNCAF tournaments.

What it is

Panama's men's national team is the country's official representative in international football, overseen by FEPAFUT. It plays its home matches at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez and has qualified for the FIFA World Cup twice, in 2018 and 2026.

Why it matters

Panama has become a competitive force in CONCACAF, finishing as runner-up in the Gold Cup three times (2005, 2013, 2023) and in the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League final. It also appeared in Copa América in 2016 and 2024, regularly facing Canada in regional qualifiers.

Key details

The team is nicknamed Los Canaleros and La Marea Roja. Thomas Christiansen has been head coach since 2020, with Yoel Bárcenas as captain. Aníbal Godoy holds the most caps, and Luis Tejada is the all-time top scorer. These details may change with new squad selections.

In short

  • Panama qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and 2026.
  • Best Gold Cup result: runner-up in 2005, 2013, and 2023.
  • Governed by FEPAFUT; home stadium is Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez.
  • Regularly faces Canada in CONCACAF competitions.
Canadian angle

Panama is relevant to Canadian readers through CONCACAF competition, where it regularly faces Canada in men's international football and regional qualifying tournaments.

Quick questions

What is the Panama national football team?
It is Panama's men's national team in international football, representing the country in FIFA and CONCACAF competitions.
Has Panama played in the FIFA World Cup?
Yes. Panama qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and 2026.
What is Panama's best Gold Cup result?
Panama's best CONCACAF Gold Cup result is runner-up, achieved in 2005, 2013, and 2023.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_national_football_team
    Supports: Nicknames, association, confederation, home stadium, coaching staff, captain, most caps, top scorer, World Cup appearances, Gold Cup results, Nations League result, Copa América appearances.
  2. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selecci%C3%B3n_de_f%C3%BAtbol_de_Panam%C3%A1
    Supports: Definition of the team as Panama's representative men's national side under FEPAFUT.
  3. BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c5y77n3g783o
    Supports: Panama's 2026 World Cup participation and context around the team entering its second World Cup.
  4. Live Soccer TV — https://www.livesoccertv.com/countries/panama/
    Supports: Founding year and affiliation details.
  5. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/panama/startseite/verein/3577
    Supports: Founded date and FEPAFUT club/profile identification.