The Panama national football team, also known as “La Selección” or “Los Canaleros,” represents Panama in international football competitions. It is governed by the Federación Panameña de Fútbol (Panamanian Football Federation) and has made significant progress in recent years.
Historically, Panama’s national team had modest success and struggled to qualify for major international tournaments. However, in recent times, the team has achieved notable accomplishments and reached new heights in its footballing history.
One of the most significant achievements for the Panama national football team came in 2018 when they qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time. They secured their place in the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia after finishing third in the final round of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament. Their qualification was celebrated as a historic moment for Panamanian football.
In addition to the World Cup participation, the Panama national team has also participated in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which is the regional championship for North and Central America and the Caribbean. They have had several notable performances in the tournament, including reaching the final in 2005 and finishing as semi-finalists in 2011.
The team’s success has helped raise the popularity of football in Panama, and more players from the country have been noticed by international clubs and leagues. As a result, the level of football in Panama continues to improve.
Like many national teams, the Panama national football team features a mix of players who play domestically and others who play in various professional leagues around the world. The team is continually working on developing and strengthening its footballing infrastructure to continue making progress on the international stage.