Panama, set to participate in the World Cup for the second time in its history, held an initial open training session this week for fans before traveling to the US to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

At Rommel Fernandez Gutierrez stadium, the session reportedly focused on finishing and attacking drills. However, some moments in the video raised questions about the team's professional quality.

Panama's final training session at home before the 2026 World Cup. *Photo: FEPAFUT*

In one instance, a long ball was played over the top for the attacking line, but the striker fumbled the control and took a shot that the goalkeeper saved from 5 meters out. Another play showed an overhit pass going straight to the opposing goalkeeper with no one able to reach it.

Additionally, the video captured numerous instances of poor ball control by Panamanian players, leading fans to express disappointment on social media.

"If our striker number 9 receives the ball like that, it's over", one Panama fan commented. Another wrote, "What hope do we have left?". A third even suggested, "take the video down, it's too embarrassing".

In contrast, many England fans expressed confidence, believing Thomas Tuchel's squad will win decisively when they face Panama on 27/6. "Harry Kane will win the Golden Boot just from the Panama match", one person commented. Another predicted the striker could break Just Fontaine's World Cup scoring record – 13 goals in the 1958 finals.

Panama defeated the Dominican Republic 4-2 in a friendly match on 3/6 and has one more warm-up match against Bosnia on 6/6. In the 2026 World Cup group stage, Panama will face Ghana on 17/6, Croatia on 23/6, and England on 27/6.

Cecilio Waterman (right) celebrates a goal with Alberto Quintero during Panama's 4-2 friendly win over the Dominican Republic in Panama on 3/6/2026. *Photo: AP*

Panama has been a FIFA member since 1938 and was a founding member of CONCACAF in 1961, also belonging to the regional UNCAF federation in Central America.

Panama, currently ranked 33rd by FIFA, previously participated in the 2018 World Cup. In that tournament, they lost 0-3 to Belgium, 1-6 to England (scoring their first World Cup goal thanks to Felipe Baloy), and 1-2 to Tunisia, finishing last in their group.

At the regional level, Panama has finished as runner-up three times in the CONCACAF Gold Cup (2005, 2013, 2023) and also secured the runner-up position in the CONCACAF Nations League in 2025. The team also participated in the Copa America in 2016 and 2024.

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)