Panama eyes first World Cup win against Ghana - Felipe Baloy

Panama are confident heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according former defender Felipe Baloy. 

Baloy holds the record of being the first player to score in the World Cup for the Central Americans after netting a spectacular freekick against England eight years ago in Russia.

At 45, Baloy has retired and manages the U17 side of Panama but has been following the exploits of the senior team in recent times.

Panama will round up their World Cup preparations with a friendly against Bosnia on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Los Canaleros had lost to Brazil in a friendly last week before beating Dominican Republic in midweek.

According Baloy, the current team is well organised and experience, convincing him of their chances in the opener against Ghana in Toronto.

"I think we’ve got an organised and experienced team, with players who are playing in top leagues and performing at a high level,” he told FIFA's mdeia. “This side can go there and compete and have every chance of earning Panama’s first World Cup victory," he added.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars have intensified preparations in the United States and could play a final friendly before leaving for Canada for the opening game against Panama on June 17.

The Black Stars will return to USA to face England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.

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