So, you’re looking for the panama soccer game today? Honestly, you’ve picked a fascinating time to check in on Los Canaleros. While much of the world is still shaking off the holiday cobwebs, Thomas Christiansen has his squad in Sucre, Bolivia, for a match that’s way more than just a "meaningless" international friendly.
The game is happening today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Estadio IV Centenario. It’s a 3:00 PM local kickoff (which is roughly 2:00 PM in Panama City). If you’re trying to find it on TV in the States, you’ll likely need to hunt through Fox Sports or a streaming equivalent, as these high-altitude friendlies can sometimes be a bit tricky to track down on standard cable.
What’s at Stake in the Panama Soccer Game Today?
Panama isn't just playing for pride. They recently punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, topping Group A in the CONCACAF qualifiers after a dominant 3-0 win over El Salvador back in November. They’ve been drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Ghana.
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Think about that for a second.
You don’t just walk into a group with Harry Kane and Luka Modrić without a plan. Today's match against Bolivia is the first real step in that plan. Christiansen is using this window to look at "new faces." He’s brought a 22-man roster that is basically a laboratory experiment. Fifteen of these guys play in the local Panamanian league. Only seven are based abroad.
The big name everyone is whispering about is Kadir Barría.
The 18-year-old forward has been tearing it up for Botafogo’s youth setup in Brazil. He’s the kind of talent that makes scouts sit up a little straighter. After scoring twice off the bench to save a game against Sport late last year, he’s finally getting his look with the senior team. If he shows out today, he might just secure a seat on the plane to Toronto and New York this summer.
The Altitude Factor in Bolivia
Playing in Bolivia is a nightmare. Everyone knows it. The Estadio IV Centenario sits at a significant elevation, and while it's not the lung-searing height of La Paz, it still changes how the ball moves and how players breathe.
Panama is doing this on purpose.
They want to see who has the "lungs" and the mental toughness to handle uncomfortable conditions. If you can track back in the 80th minute in Sucre, you can probably handle a high-intensity transition against Ghana in Toronto.
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Recent Form and Head-to-Head
Panama has actually had the upper hand in this matchup lately. The last time these two met was in August 2023, where Panama walked away with a 2-1 victory. Looking at the "form" guide, Panama is riding high:
- W 3-0 vs. El Salvador (Nov 2025)
- W 3-2 vs. Guatemala (Nov 2025)
- D 1-1 vs. Suriname (Oct 2025)
Bolivia, on the other hand, has been struggling. They dropped games to Peru, Japan, and South Korea toward the end of 2025. They’re desperate for a win at home to restore some confidence.
Who to Watch in the Roster
If you’re watching the panama soccer game today, keep an eye on the defensive structure. Christiansen has called up guys like Richard Peralta (Monagas SC) and Jorge Gutiérrez (Deportivo La Guaira). These are veterans of the Latin American leagues who provide the "grit" that Panama needs.
In the middle, Ariel Arroyo from Deportivo Árabe Unido is expected to pull the strings. It's a "domestic-heavy" lineup, which usually means the players are going to be extra hungry. They aren't just there for a vacation; they are fighting for the few remaining spots on the World Cup roster.
Key Match Details
- Opponent: Bolivia
- Location: Estadio IV Centenario, Sucre
- Time: 3:00 PM CST (Panama Time) / 4:00 PM EST
- Type: International Friendly
Why Most People Get This Game Wrong
A lot of casual fans will see the "Friendly" tag and ignore the result. That’s a mistake. In 2026, the gap between the "A team" and the "B team" is narrowing. For a country like Panama, depth is everything. If a key starter like Adalberto Carrasquilla gets a knock in June, one of the guys playing today has to step in.
The technical staff is looking at tactical flexibility. Are they staying in a 3-4-3? Do they drop into a low block when the oxygen gets thin? This is basically a dress rehearsal for the tactical discipline they'll need against Croatia's midfield.
How to Follow the Action
If you can't get a live stream, the best way to keep up is through Sofascore or Flashscore, which provide minute-by-minute updates. The Panamanian Football Federation (@fepafut) is also usually pretty quick with highlights on social media.
Honestly, the scoreline matters less than the performance of the youngsters. If Kadir Barría gets 30 minutes and shows that spark, that’s a win for Panama regardless of what the scoreboard says at the final whistle.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your local listings for Fox Sports or Paramount+ to see if the broadcast is available in your region.
- Follow @fepafut on X (formerly Twitter) for the official starting lineup, which usually drops 60 minutes before kickoff.
- Keep an eye on the second-half substitutions; that is when the most "experimental" and exciting players like Barría are likely to enter the pitch.