The Embassy of Panama in the United States is ramping up its consular services ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Officials anticipate thousands of Panamanian nationals traveling to support their national team. Ambassador José Miguel Alemán confirmed the logistical plans are already underway following the recent group stage draw in Washington.
Contingency planning focuses on cities hosting Panama’s matches. The embassy expects concentrated groups of one thousand to two thousand fans on game days. Their primary concern involves common travel issues like lost or stolen passports, not public order events.
“We have to bring the consulate to where the match will be, because that is where people are going to lose their passport,” Ambassador Alemán said. [Translated from Spanish]
The diplomatic strategy includes deploying mobile consular teams to match venues. These pop-up offices will provide essential services directly to fans. Alemán noted passport replacement is the most frequent daily request at existing consulates, a process they aim to streamline during the tournament.
Coordinating a Cross-Border Fan Support Strategy
Ambassador Alemán will travel to Panama on December 18 and 19 for high-level coordination. Meetings are scheduled with the nation’s Presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The goal is forming a dedicated task force for this international operational support.
Logistical coordination with FIFA and U.S. authorities began months ago. The Embassy of Panama in the United States in Washington has maintained active dialogue since May. Talks involve both the White House and global soccer’s governing body.
Alemán recently met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He expressed gratitude for the organization’s support during their discussions. This preparation underscores the event’s scale for a nation with a passionate, traveling fanbase.
Visa Approval Trends and a Challenging Group Draw
Positive migration data is aiding the planning process. The ambassador cited a U.S. Embassy report showing significantly improved visa approval rates for Panamanian applicants. Rejection percentages have dropped dramatically in recent years according to the findings.
“The report from the U.S. Embassy is that the rejection rate for Panamanians has dropped tremendously in recent years,” Alemán detailed. [Translated from Spanish]
Panama’s national team faces a formidable challenge in Group D. They will play against England, Croatia, and Ghana. Despite the tough draw, the ambassador expressed confidence in the team’s competitive growth and regional standing.
The nation’s soccer profile has risen steadily. Panama currently holds the top ranking in Central America, a point of national pride. Their presence in a second consecutive World Cup fuels this optimistic preparation.
“Panama has demonstrated that its football capacity has increased… we are the first in Central America and we should not be afraid of anyone,” Alemán stated. [Translated from Spanish]
Final stadium assignments for the group matches will trigger the last phase of the embassy’s operational plan. Mobile consulate locations depend on those confirmations. The entire effort represents a significant consular mobilization aimed at ensuring Panamanian fans can focus on the game.