Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino confirmed he will travel to Canada to support the national soccer team in its first-ever 2026 FIFA World Cup match. The announcement came as the nation prepares for its historic debut on the world’s biggest sporting stage next year.
Panama will face Ghana in Toronto on June 17, 2026, marking the country’s inaugural game in the expanded 48-team tournament. Mulino plans to attend the match despite a demanding international schedule that includes an official visit on another continent just prior.
Presidential Support for Historic Debut
In a statement from Panama City, President Mulino emphasized his commitment to being present for the team’s landmark moment. He framed his attendance as a show of national solidarity for the players and coaching staff.
“Right before those days, I have an official visit to make on the other side of the world, but I will be in Canada supporting our National Team,” Mulino said. [Translated from Spanish] “Hopefully we win the first event, which I believe is against Ghana. Well, we are going to give Ghana a hard time.” [Translated from Spanish]
The president’s planned trip underscores the event’s significance for Panama. Qualifying for the World Cup has already generated substantial economic and social momentum for the country, a topic explored in a recent analysis of the tournament’s estadio rommel fern.
Panama’s World Cup Schedule and Venues
The Panama versus Ghana match kicks off at 6:00 p.m. Panama time at BMO Field. This game initiates Panama’s campaign in Group L, which also includes Croatia and England.
According to the official fixture list, Panama will play all three of its group stage matches in a ten-day period. The team meets Croatia on June 23, also in Toronto. Their final group match against England is scheduled for June 28 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
This World Cup represents a major shift in format. For the first time, three nations (the United States, Mexico, and Canada) will jointly host the event. The tournament expands to 48 teams playing 104 matches across 16 different cities.
Competition begins on June 11, 2026, at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca. The final is set for July 19 at the same New Jersey venue where Panama will face England. The national team’s journey from its home at the estadio rommel fern to the global stage now has a confirmed presidential witness for its opening chapter.