Panama opens 2026 international calendar with friendlies against Bolivia and Mexico

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·16 janvier 2026

Panama opens 2026 international calendar with friendlies against Bolivia and Mexico

The Panama national team has reported for the first time in 2026 under head coach Thomas Christiansen, preparing for FIFA international window friendlies against Bolivia and Mexico.

The squad traveled Thursday for its opening match, scheduled for Sunday against Bolivia national team at Estadio IV Centenario. Panama will then return home to close the window against Mexico national team on Thursday, January 22, at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez.

Vidéos OneFootball

Squad Mix and New Faces Under Evaluation

Christiansen called up a 22-player roster that blends domestic and international-based players. Fifteen members of the squad play in Panama’s local league, while seven are based abroad. The matches will serve as evaluation opportunities for players who have not featured regularly in recent call-ups, with an eye toward long-term roster decisions later in the year.

One notable inclusion is 18-year-old forward Kadir Barria, currently with Botafogo. Barria joined Botafogo’s youth setup in August 2025 after standing out in development competitions in Colombia and earned his senior debut late in the Brazilian season.

Despite initially featuring with the U-20s, Barria made a quick impact at the professional level, highlighted by a two-goal performance off the bench against Sport that sealed a late comeback win. He is regarded as one of Panama’s most promising young attacking prospects.

¡Kadir Barría con la "Roja"! 🇵🇦⚽️ El joven delantero de Botafogo ya luce la camiseta de la selección de Panamá. #EstoyMarea 📸 @fepafut
– vendredi 16 janvier 2026