In a critical match for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Panama faces El Salvador in the final round of the CONCACAF tournament. This important encounter will take place at the Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez Stadium. Fans can follow the action live on TVMAX, TVN, TVN Pass, TVN Radio 96.5 FM, and the YouTube channel TVMAX PANAMÁ within Panama.
Match Overview
Currently, Panama holds second place in Group A with nine points. Their goal difference stands at +2, positioning them for a potential intercontinental playoff spot in March. This match represents Panama’s chance to secure a direct qualification for their second World Cup appearance, having previously qualified for the 2018 tournament in Russia.
El Salvador’s Position
El Salvador, on the other hand, has struggled in this round, accumulating only three points from five matches. Although their chances of qualifying are slim, they can disrupt Panama’s aspirations in front of a home crowd.
Coaching Connections
A notable subplot to this match is the presence of Hernán Darío ‘Bolillo’ Gómez, the current head coach of El Salvador. He previously led Panama to its first World Cup qualification, adding a layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Player Availability
- Panama: Michael Amir Murillo will miss the game due to an injury sustained during team training. He is recovering in France at the request of his club, Olympique de Marseille.
- El Salvador: Notable absentees include:
- Bryan Gil
- Jefferson Valladares
- Mauricio Cerritos
- Nathan Ordaz, who left to attend to a personal commitment with permission from the coaching staff.
Qualification Scenarios
The outcome of the Panama vs. El Salvador match is intricately linked to the game between Guatemala and Suriname. For Panama to qualify directly, they need a victory over El Salvador and require Suriname to lose against Guatemala. If Suriname wins, Panama will need to secure a significant victory of at least four goals to surpass the goal difference and avoid entering the playoffs.
Fans can follow live updates on this critical showdown as well as the results from other matches impacting Group A standings.
