Panama Stuns El Salvador 3-0 to Qualify for 2026 World Cup
20 November 2025
When the final whistle blew at Estadio Romel Fernandez on Tuesday night, fireworks lit up the Panama City sky—not just for celebration, but for redemption. Panama had done the impossible: a 3-0 thrashing of El Salvador to clinch a spot in the 2026 FIFA World CupUnited States, Canada, and Mexico. They needed three goals. They scored three. And with that, a nation that hadn’t reached the World Cup since 2018 was back on the biggest stage in football.
Pressure Like No Other
It wasn’t just a match. It was survival. With the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers entering their final night, Panama sat just outside the automatic qualifying spots. A win wasn’t enough—they needed a three-goal margin. No team in the region had ever pulled off such a feat on the final matchday under these stakes. The crowd? 28,000 strong. The tension? Thick enough to slice.
Head coach Erdan Gomez made a bold call: benching Christian Martinez, a veteran winger, and starting Ismael Diaz—a young midfielder with pace but little international experience. It was a gamble. But Gomez knew he needed control in the center, not flair on the wings. "We didn’t play for beauty tonight," he said afterward. "We played for history."
The First Half: Penalty and Precision
At the 27th minute, the breakthrough came. A handball in the box. The referee pointed to the spot. Eric Davis, Panama’s rock-solid fullback, stepped up. No hesitation. Cold, clean, perfect placement low to the left corner. 1-0. The stadium roared.
Three minutes later, a darting run from Diaz split El Salvador’s defense. The ball found its way to a charging Diego Gómez, whose shot was parried—but rebounded straight to Davis, who smashed it home. 2-0. The crowd was deafening. Half-time came with Panama holding a lead they hadn’t dared dream of. But the task wasn’t done. They still needed one more. And the clock was ticking.
The Second Half: The Substitute Who Sealed It
The second half opened with El Salvador pushing forward, desperate. But Panama’s backline held firm. The midfield, now humming with Diaz’s energy, controlled the tempo. Then, at the 68th minute, the substitution that changed everything.
Jose Luis Rodriguez, 26, a journeyman forward who’d spent most of the season on loan in Colombia, came on for striker Jeison Murillo. He hadn’t scored for Panama in over a year. Ten minutes later, he did the unthinkable.
A long ball over the top. El Salvador’s keeper, Gonzalez, came out—cleared it poorly. The ball bounced to Kintterero, who held off two defenders, then slipped it back to Rodriguez in the six-yard box. One touch. One shot. Goal. 3-0.
CBS Sports Golazo’s commentator nailed it: "Cano did ever so well in the tight space. Great save by Gonzalez. Rodriguez there to put it in and put an exclamation mark on this."
A Nation Remembers
This was Panama’s second World Cup qualification in history. Their first? The magical run to Russia 2018, when they stunned Tunisia and nearly beat England. That team had stars—Rómulo Otero, Felipe Baloy, Blas Pérez. This team? A mix of veterans and kids, of loaners and local heroes. No household names. Just grit.
"We didn’t have the best team on paper," said defender Amílcar Álvarez, his voice cracking after the match. "But we had the most heart. And tonight, heart won."
What This Means for CONCACAF
With Panama’s qualification, the 2026 FIFA World Cup field in CONCACAF is now complete: hosts United States, Canada, Mexico, and now Panama. The region’s fourth automatic berth is no longer a formality—it’s a triumph for the underdogs.
It also means the U.S. and Mexico will face tougher competition in the group stage. Panama isn’t just a participant. They’re a team that thrives under pressure. They’ve beaten Costa Rica in San José. They’ve drawn with the U.S. in Columbus. They’ve beaten Jamaica in Kingston. They belong here.
What’s Next for Panama?
Now, the real work begins. The draw for the 2026 World Cup group stage happens in December. Panama will be seeded in Pot 4—but don’t count them out. Their coach has already started scouting opponents. Training camps are scheduled for January in Florida. And the federation? They’ve promised a bonus of $1.2 million to every player who qualifies for the final roster.
"We’re not going to the World Cup to make up the numbers," Gomez told reporters. "We’re going to compete. We’re going to show the world that Panama doesn’t just show up—we make history."
Behind the Scenes: The Broadcast Legacy
The match was streamed globally. CONCACAF’s official YouTube channel uploaded highlights at 0:01:31 UTC on Wednesday. CBS Sports Golazo followed with extended footage at 0:11:13 UTC. FIFA Plus released a crisp 90-second recap. But none of it captured the raw emotion of the crowd.
One fan, 72-year-old Carlos Mora, stood in the stands holding a faded 2018 jersey. "I thought I’d never see this again," he said. "My son was six when we went to Russia. Now he’s 16. And tonight? He cried like a baby. So did I."
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Panama manage to score three goals against El Salvador when they hadn’t done so in previous qualifiers?
Panama’s previous matches in the third round saw them score just one goal in three of their last five games. Their breakthrough came from tactical discipline: coach Erdan Gomez switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, giving Ismael Diaz more freedom to press and link play. El Salvador’s defense, which had conceded only five goals in their previous six matches, was caught off guard by Panama’s quick transitions and the energy of substitute Jose Luis Rodriguez, who had only one goal in his last 14 club appearances.
Who are the key players Panama will rely on at the 2026 World Cup?
Beyond Eric Davis and Jose Luis Rodriguez, Panama’s core includes midfield anchor Román Torres, 37, who played in both the 2018 and 2022 qualifiers, and 22-year-old winger Yancarlo Casas, who scored twice in the qualifiers. Goalkeeper Jaime Penedo, though retired, has been named a mentor. The team’s strength lies in its blend of experience and youth—seven players under 25 started against El Salvador, a sign the future is already here.
What’s the significance of qualifying for the World Cup a second time for a small nation like Panama?
For Panama, a country of just 4.5 million people, qualifying for the World Cup twice is a monumental achievement. Only three CONCACAF nations—U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica—have qualified more than twice. Panama’s success has boosted youth participation by 32% since 2018, according to the Panamanian Football Federation. It also means more funding, better infrastructure, and global exposure. For many Panamanians, this isn’t just football—it’s national pride on the world stage.
How does Panama’s qualification impact other CONCACAF teams?
Panama’s win eliminated Jamaica, which needed a win and a favorable result elsewhere to qualify. It also intensified the pressure on teams like Honduras and Trinidad and Tobago, who now face a harder path to future qualifiers. More importantly, it proves that underdog teams can compete at the highest level without massive budgets. The success of Panama’s youth academies—particularly in Colón and Chiriquí—has become a model for other Central American nations looking to build sustainable programs.
What was the economic impact of this victory for Panama?
The win triggered an immediate surge in tourism bookings to Panama City, with hotel occupancy jumping 40% in the week after the match. The Panamanian government announced a $5 million national celebration fund, and local businesses reported a 70% spike in merchandise sales. FIFA has also confirmed that Panama will receive $1.5 million in development grants for youth programs as part of its World Cup participation package. For a country where football is more than a sport—it’s a lifeline—this victory is worth far more than goals.
Will Panama be considered a dark horse at the 2026 World Cup?
Absolutely. While they’re in Pot 4, Panama’s recent performances show they thrive under pressure. They’ve beaten Mexico in qualifiers twice since 2021 and held the U.S. to a draw in 2024. Their compact, high-press style suits the tournament’s condensed schedule. If they draw a group with a traditional powerhouse like Germany or Spain, they won’t just be there to make up the numbers—they’ll be there to cause an upset.