Panama is weighing whether to keep Thomas Christiansen in charge after his contract expired on June 30, 2026. The Panamanian Football Federation opened an official review on Monday, aiming to decide if the coach should continue leading the squad toward World Cup 2026.

What sparked the contract review?

The move follows an uneven season; nevertheless, the team showed resilience in the final qualifying stretch. The most recent result was a 1‑1 draw with Honduras on June 28, 2025, and Panama’s recent form stands at 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in the last five games. The federation wants to gauge whether Christiansen’s guidance has been enough to meet qualification goals.

How is Christiansen’s performance viewed?

Local analysts point to tactical improvement, especially the defensive solidity that secured the draw against Honduras. Young forward Julio Cáceres, who scored the equaliser, has also integrated well. Despite a loss to Costa Rica in November, most fans value the progress and are calling for continuity to keep the momentum.

What would a renewal mean?

If the federation extends the contract, Christiansen would have the chance to cement his project before the final qualifying round for World Cup 2026. A new deal would also allow planning strategic friendlies against CONCACAF opponents and strengthening the squad with players already in Europe.

What are the alternatives if he is not renewed?

Should the federation look for a new manager, rumors mention Carlos Alvarado, former Costa Rica coach, and rising Spanish tactician Marta Gómez, who has led the under‑21 side. Either candidate would need to adapt quickly to the style the players have learned under Christiansen.

The coming days are decisive; the federation has promised to announce its decision before July 15. Meanwhile, Panama continues training under Christiansen’s supervision, hoping to lock in the positive run before the qualifying campaign closes.