Country profile
Panama
Republic of Panama
Key facts
Capital
Panama City
Population
4,400,000
Confederation
CONCACAF
FIFA code
PAN
Overview
Panama is a narrow isthmus connecting North and South America, defined by the legendary canal that funnels global trade between two oceans. Home to roughly 4.4 million people, it is a vibrant melting pot of Indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, Spanish and mestizo cultures.
For decades baseball and boxing ruled the sporting landscape, but football has surged to claim the national heart, especially since the country's historic 2018 World Cup debut.
From the skyscrapers of Panama City to the beaches of Bocas del Toro, football fever now unites a proud, passionate nation.
Football culture
Football's rise has been meteoric since qualification for Russia 2018 turned the country football-mad overnight. The national team commands fierce loyalty, with raucous crowds at Estadio Rommel Fernández. Players who break into Europe become instant national heroes.
World Cup history
Panama made its World Cup debut in 2018 after a dramatic qualifying campaign, though they lost all three group games and were declared a national holiday simply for reaching the tournament. They narrowly missed out on Qatar 2022. The 2026 edition marks only their second appearance on the global stage.
Location
Did you know
- The Panama Canal handles around 5% of all world maritime trade.
- Qualification for 2018 was declared a national holiday by the president.
- Panama uses the US dollar alongside its own balboa currency.
- Roberto Durán, a Panamanian, is one of boxing's greatest legends.
- Panama is one of the few places you can watch the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic.
From Wikipedia
Republic of Panama fields one of the 48 national teams contesting the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Source: Wikipedia →