El Salvador and Panama are set to meet on October 10 during the 2026 Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers. This match is vital for both teams as they vie for advancement in Group A. Each team aims to secure a victory to enhance their chances of moving forward in the tournament, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
[Watch El Salvador vs Panama live with Fubo in the USA]
El Salvador currently holds a slight edge with a one-point advantage over Panama. A draw could also work in their favor. With Surinam (4 pts.) and El Salvador (3 pts.) ahead of Panama (2 pts.), only a win will allow Panama to regain control of their chances.
The Salvadoran team kicked off this round with a 1-0 victory against Guatemala but later lost 2-1 to Surinam. Now, they need a win to stay in the race for World Cup qualification.
In contrast, Panama has no options left. They have secured just two points from their initial matches, making a win essential for survival in Group A. A victory would turn their fortunes around and boost team morale as they prepare for their next games.
Darwin Cerén #7 of El Salvador talks with the team in a huddle.
El Salvador expected lineup vs Panama
Head coach Hernán Darío ‘Bolillo’ Gómez faces Panama, the team he previously led to the 2018 World Cup. However, the current squad is different. El Salvador is also managing injuries to Harold Osorio, Bryan Tamacas, Diego Flores, and Jorge Cruz.
El Salvador expected lineup: Mario González; Roberto Domínguez, Julio Sibrián, Rudy Clavel, Adán Clímaco; Darwin Cerén, Bryan Landaverde, Mauricio Cerritos, Jefferson Valladares; Styven Vásquez and Brayan Gil.
Panama expected XI vs El Salvador
Panama will be missing Aníbal Godoy due to yellow card accumulation. He is expected to return for the next match against Surinam on October 14.
Panama expected starting XI: Orlando Mosquera; César Blackman, Fidel Escobar, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Ismael Díaz; Édgar Bárcenas, Jorge Gutiérrez, Eric Davis, Andrés Andrade; José Fajardo, Michael Murillo.