The Panama national football team recently convened for its inaugural training session of 2026, marking the beginning of their international calendar under the guidance of head coach Thomas Christiansen. This gathering precedes two crucial FIFA international window friendly matches, scheduled against the national teams of Bolivia and Mexico.
The squad's journey began with travel on Thursday for their initial face-off, set to take place on Sunday against the Bolivian national team at Estadio IV Centenario. Following this encounter, the team will return to home turf to conclude the international window on Thursday, January 22nd, when they host the Mexican national team at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez.
These upcoming matches serve as vital assessment opportunities for coach Christiansen, who has assembled a 22-player roster combining both local and international talent. With fifteen players hailing from Panama's domestic league and seven based abroad, the friendlies will allow for a thorough evaluation of individuals, especially those who have not seen regular call-ups. This strategic assessment aims to inform long-term roster decisions for the remainder of the year. A notable inclusion is the 18-year-old forward Kadir Barria, currently affiliated with Botafogo. Barria's impressive performance in development competitions in Colombia led to his recruitment by Botafogo's youth academy in August 2025, where he quickly ascended to make his senior debut late in the Brazilian season. Despite his initial involvement with the U-20 squad, Barria's immediate impact at the professional level, highlighted by a two-goal contribution in a comeback victory against Sport, positions him as one of Panama's most promising young attacking talents for the future.
This early engagement in 2026 represents a forward-looking approach by the Panamanian national team, emphasizing strategic player development and cohesive team building. By integrating emerging talents with seasoned professionals, the squad aims to foster a dynamic and competitive environment, laying a strong foundation for future international challenges and embodying the spirit of growth and aspiration in sports.