The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Soccer›Panama national football team
Sports • 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).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Panama national football team represents Panama in men's international football. It is governed by the Federación Panameña de Fútbol (FEPAFUT) and competes in CONCACAF and UNCAF tournaments. The team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup twice, in 2018 and 2026.

History

Panama's national team was founded in the 20th century and has grown into a regular competitor in regional and international football. Its most notable milestones include World Cup qualification in 2018 and 2026, plus multiple deep runs in CONCACAF tournaments.

Competition record

Panama has competed repeatedly in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and reached the final three times, finishing as runner-up in 2005, 2013, and 2023. It also reached the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League final and made appearances at Copa América in 2016 and 2024.

Team identity

The team is commonly known as Los Canaleros and La Marea Roja. Its home venue is Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez, and it plays under the administration of FEPAFUT.

Players and coaching

Thomas Christiansen has served as head coach since 2020, according to the available sources. The team's listed captain, most-capped player, and all-time top scorer have varied across sources and may change over time with new squad selections and matches.

Key facts

  • Panama's men's national team is the official representative in international football.
  • The team is governed by FEPAFUT and competes under FIFA and CONCACAF.
  • Panama qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2018 and again for 2026.
  • Its best CONCACAF Gold Cup results were runner-up finishes in 2005, 2013, and 2023.
  • Panama also finished runner-up in the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League final.
🍁
Canadian context

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

Frequently asked 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.
Who governs the team?
The team is governed by the Federación Panameña de Fútbol (FEPAFUT).
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.
What are Panama's common nicknames?
The team is commonly called Los Canaleros and La Marea Roja.
Who is Panama's head coach?
Thomas Christiansen is listed as head coach in the provided sources.

References

  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.