PANAMA national soccer team — overview

The Panama national football team (Federación Panameña de Fútbol — FEPAFUT) represents Panama in international men’s association football. Panama is a CONCACAF member and competes in regional tournaments (Gold Cup), World Cup qualifying, and friendly matches. The team’s rise to prominence is relatively recent: after decades on the periphery of CONCACAF, Panama established itself as one of the stronger Central American teams in the 2000s and 2010s, culminating in the nation’s first FIFA World Cup appearance in 2018.

History and development

• Early years (1920s–1980s): Panama played its first recorded international matches in the 1920s and participated sporadically in regional competitions. For much of the 20th century the team struggled to compete with regional powers such as Mexico and Costa Rica and lacked professional infrastructure and consistent international success.
• Growth era (1990s–2000s): In the 1990s and early 2000s Panama began investing more in youth development and domestic structure. Results improved gradually — the team qualified for regional tournaments more consistently and produced players who moved to stronger leagues abroad.
• Breakthrough and World Cup qualification (2010s): Panama’s major breakthrough came in the 2010s. Under coaches such as Hernán Gómez and later Hernán "Bolillo" Gómez (Colombian), the team reached multiple CONCACAF Gold Cup knockout stages. The peak achievement was qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia — Panama’s first-ever World Cup. The qualification sent the country into national euphoria and marked Panama’s arrival on the global stage.
• Post-World Cup period (2019–present): After 2018 Panama has remained competitive regionally but has also faced turnover in coaching and player generations. The team continues to vie for Gold Cup honors and World Cup qualification, balancing veteran leaders with emerging talents from domestic and international clubs.

Major successes and notable achievements

• 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification — Panama’s first-ever World Cup appearance (Russia 2018). The moment the team secured qualification remains the nation’s single greatest football accomplishment.
• CONCACAF Gold Cup performances — Panama has been a consistent contender in the Gold Cup. The team finished as runners-up in 2005 and 2013, and has reached several semi-finals and quarter-finals across the 2000s and 2010s.
• Central American competitions — Panama has won regional trophies and performed well in the Copa Centroamericana / UNCAF Tournament, often finishing in the top positions among Central American teams.
• Improved FIFA rankings — during its peak years Panama climbed well into the top 50–60 in FIFA rankings, reflecting improved results and greater international recognition.

Most notable players

• Blas Pérez — Striker and one of Panama’s most prolific scorers. Pérez had a long international career and was a leading figure in Panama’s attack across multiple cycles; he also had a successful club career in MLS and other leagues.
• Luis Tejada — A powerful forward and long-serving Panama international, Tejada scored many important goals in regional competition and qualifiers.
• Gabriel “Gavilán” Gómez — Midfielder and longtime captain known for leadership, work rate and experience. Gómez was a stabilizing presence in midfield through multiple cycles.
• Armando Cooper — Attacking midfielder/winger who has been a creative force for Panama and captain at times; he played club football in MLS, Mexico and other countries.
• Roman Torres — Central defender and captain who scored the decisive goal that clinched Panama’s spot at the 2018 World Cup (a dramatic headed winner in the playoff against Costa Rica). Torres is among Panama’s iconic modern figures for his leadership and aerial presence.
• Jaime Penedo — Goalkeeper who was Panama’s first-choice for many years, including through the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign and the World Cup finals, known for crucial saves and reliability.
• Adalberto “Bolillo” Carrasquilla / Note on others — (Clarification: Carrasquilla is a modern midfield prospect, and other recent notable players include Aníbal Godoy, Michael Murillo and Ismael Díaz.) Aníbal Godoy (midfielder) and Michael Amir Murillo (right-back) have been important in the post-2010s era, with Murillo featuring in MLS and contributing offensively from full-back. The squad has seen a new generation emerge since 2018.

Notable coaches

• Hernán “Bolillo” Gómez (Colombia) — The most influential coach in Panama’s modern rise. He led the team through much of the late 2000s and into the 2010s, helping build a competitive mentality and guiding Panama to strong Gold Cup showings and important qualifying progress. (He had two separate spells.)
• Giberto “Beto” Rodríguez and other local coaches — Various Panamanian coaches have contributed to development at home and youth levels; the national team has relied on a mix of foreign and domestic coaching expertise.
• Other foreign coaches — Panama has also employed other foreign managers at different times (including interim appointments and technical staff from Mexico, South America and Europe) to add tactical variety and professional experience.
• Current coaching context — In recent years the team has continued to cycle through different head coaches as it seeks consistency and a path back to the World Cup; emphasis remains on blending experienced leaders with younger, Europe- and MLS-based players.

Cultural and sporting impact

• World Cup qualification in 2018 had a major cultural impact in Panama, increasing the sport’s popularity and inspiring investment in youth development and facilities.
• Panama’s international presence has raised the profile of Panamanian players abroad, with more players moving to MLS, Central and South American leagues, and occasionally Europe.
• International success has fostered national pride and created enduring memories — notably Roman Torres’s goal that secured World Cup qualification and Panama’s spirited performances against regional rivals.

Summary

Panama’s national team transformed from a regional underdog into an established CONCACAF competitor over the last two decades. The high point was reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup; other successes include strong Gold Cup runs and solid regional results. Key figures such as Blas Pérez, Roman Torres, Jaime Penedo and Hernán Gómez helped propel the country to its current standing, while a new generation of players aims to build on that legacy.