Panama go begin dia Kirin Cup campaign against All Whites as coach Thomas Christiansen dey combine established internationals with a new generation of players.
Di Central American side meet New Zealand for International Stadium Yokohama on Thursday October 1, 2026, with kick-off for 7.10pm NZT.
Panama dey ranked 44th by FIFA and na dia first internationals since dem comot from dis year FIFA World Cup for group stage.
New Zealand dey number 86 for FIFA rankings.
Panama lost 1-0 to Ghana and Croatia before dem finish dia World Cup tournament with 2-0 defeat to England.
Dia return to international action produce 1-1 draw with India for Bengaluru last week, when New York Red Bulls defender Omar Valencia equalise for 68th minute.
Valencia, wey dem introduce for half-time, score im first senior international goal with long-range strike, while Víctor Griffith later hit post.
Panama key player remain Pumas UNAM midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, wey dey provide link between defence and attack, while Beşiktaş defender Michael Murillo bring plenty international experience to backline.
Oda established players include Slovan Bratislava defender César Blackman and midfielders Cristian Martínez and José Luis Rodríguez.
Up front, Universidad Católica striker José Fajardo offer experience, while Christiansen don include several younger or less-established players for Asian tour.
Christiansen talk before di tour say Panama want begin generational change while dem still dey competitive, and im select 10 players wey im staff don see little or nothing of at senior international level.
He expect di level of opposition to increase after India, describing World Cup participants New Zealand and potential opponents Japan or Ecuador as teams wey go test Panama “to the maximum.”
Panama arrive Tokyo on Monday after travelling from Bengaluru and dem dey prepare for Japan ahead dia final training session before facing All Whites.
Di winners go meet Japan or Ecuador for Monday Kirin Cup final, with di losing sides contesting di third-place match.
All Whites kick off against Panama for Kirin Cup at Yokohama International Stadium at 7.10pm NZT.
New Zealand join 25th-ranked Ecuador, 17th-ranked Japan, and 44th-ranked Panama for di Kirin Cup tournament wey dem hold for Yokohama and Tokyo.
Japan and Ecuador go also play for Yokohama International Stadium, and All Whites go play di winner of dat match for Tokyo National Stadium on Monday 5 October.
