Panama City, Panama — President José Raúl Mulino has signed an executive order closing all national and municipal public offices early on Wednesday, June 17. The measure allows government employees to support the national soccer team in its 2026 FIFA World Cup debut against Ghana.
Executive Decree No. 19, dated June 16, mandates that offices shut their doors at 2:00 p.m. local time. The match takes place at Toronto Stadium in Canada. This marks Panama’s second appearance on soccer’s biggest stage.
Official Decree Details and Employee Impact
Government institutions must operate their regular schedules without interruption until the 2:00 p.m. cutoff. The decree explicitly prohibits agencies from setting alternative hours. Employees will head home early to watch the historic match.
The executive branch noted in the document’s preamble that while players prepare to give their best on the field, Panamanian fans are organizing to support the national selection with enthusiasm and passion. The government considers it appropriate to establish special hours for public servants. [Translated from Spanish]
While players prepare to give their best on the field, Panamanian fans are organizing to support the national selection with enthusiasm and passion. The government considers it appropriate to establish special hours for public servants.
Essential services remain exempt from the closure order. Hospitals, clinics, and health centers operated by the Social Security Fund and the Ministry of Health will stay open. The National Aqueduct and Sewerage Institute, known as Idaan, must continue operations as well.
Emergency response units including the Fire Department and the National Civil Protection System, or Sinaproc, will maintain full staffing. The National Police and all security forces remain on duty. Public transit systems, specifically the Panama Metro and MiBus, will run their normal schedules.
Exceptions for Banks and the Canal
The National Migration Service, Tocumen International Airport, and the National Customs Authority also fall under essential service exemptions. These agencies handle international commerce and travel. Banks will follow separate guidelines issued by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama.
The Panama Canal Authority is completely excluded from the measure. Its legal framework prevents the government from altering its operational schedule. The canal operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year regardless of national events.
The decree also suspends all deadlines for administrative proceedings during the designated half-day. This means no legal or bureaucratic timelines will expire while offices are closed. The order took effect immediately upon its signing on Tuesday.
Panama’s national team faces Ghana in a critical Group Stage match. The country first qualified for the World Cup in 2018. Fans across the nation have decorated streets and businesses with red, white, and blue flags.
Many Panama City businesses plan to close early voluntarily. Restaurant owners expect crowds for viewing parties. The government’s decision reflects the overwhelming national enthusiasm surrounding this tournament.
Panama qualified for the 2026 tournament after a strong qualifying campaign. The team enters the match against Ghana as underdogs. Soccer analysts point to Panama’s defensive strength as a key factor.
President Mulino has been a vocal supporter of the national team. He previously attended friendly matches and training sessions. The early closure decree represents his administration’s most visible gesture of support.
Critics argue the measure disrupts government services unnecessarily. Supporters counter that national morale matters during such events. The debate continues across social media platforms.
This is the second time a Panamanian government has ordered early closures for a World Cup match. A similar decree was issued in 2018 for the team’s first World Cup appearance. That match against Belgium drew massive viewing audiences across the country.
The 2026 World Cup is historic for several reasons. It is the first tournament hosted by three nations: Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Panama’s inclusion represents continued growth for soccer in Central America.
Ghana enters the match with World Cup experience. The African nation has qualified for four previous tournaments. Panama must secure a win or draw to maintain realistic hopes of advancing past the group stage.
Government employees expressed excitement about the early dismissal. Many plan to gather with family and friends to watch the match. Public viewing areas have been set up in major parks across the country.
The decree remains in effect only for Wednesday, June 17. Normal government operations resume Thursday morning. The administration has not announced any further closures for subsequent matches.