Panama Faces Suriname in World Cup Qualifying Opener in Challenging Group A Match

Panama will begin its 2026 World Cup qualifying journey on Thursday with a Group A match against Suriname in Paramaribo, according to EFE. This is the first time these two countries will face each other in a qualifying round. Head coach Thomas Christiansen regards Suriname as the toughest opponent in their group.

Christiansen noted Suriname’s improvement, mentioning their strong displays in the Gold Cup and matches against teams like Costa Rica and Canada. The team features several players based in Europe, including Sheraldo Becker from Osasuna, Kenneth Paal from Antalyaspor, and Jean Paul Boëtius from Darmstadt.

Panama comes into the match unbeaten in its last five games and will see the return of important midfielders Édgar Yoel Bárcenas and Adalberto Carrasquilla, who missed the 2025 Gold Cup due to injury. Christiansen stressed the need for Panama to perform well and take advantage of Suriname’s weaknesses.

This will be Suriname’s first appearance in the Concacaf final round since 1978. Head coach Stanley Menzo referred to Panama as “one of the giants of the region” and hopes his team can achieve surprises in a group that includes Guatemala and El Salvador.

The match is set to take place at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium at 4:30 p.m. local time, with Kwinsi Williams from Trinidad and Tobago as the referee.