Panama U20 trains in Burunga ahead of clash with Cuba

The Panama U20 national team held its final training session on Thursday at the High‑Performance Center (CAR) of the Panamanian Football Federation in Burunga, Arraiján, gearing up for tomorrow's match against Cuba's U20 side. The aim is to fine‑tune tactics before the CONCACAF U20 Championship 2026 and the eventual World Cup qualifiers. Last result: Panama 1-1 Honduras (2025-06-28) shows the side is looking to improve after that draw.

What happened in recent trainings?

On Tuesday, Panama and Cuba drew 0‑0 in the first friendly, played at the Virgilio Tejeira Andrión Stadium in Penonomé. The match served to test the starting lineup and assess players' physical endurance. Head coach Anthony Ramos highlighted the need for more speed on the right flank and a cleaner ball‑out under pressure.

Why does this matter for World Cup 2026?

Even though this is a U20 competition, the performance of these youngsters directly impacts the senior pool that will compete in the final stage of World Cup 2026. The senior team's recent form (Recent form (last 5): 3W-1D-1L) indicates an upward trend, and coaches aim to replicate that energy at the youth level. Moreover, the CONCACAF tournament will be a crucial platform for emerging talent to gain international experience.

What comes next after training?

After today's session, the squad will meet for a tactical briefing early Friday, reviewing video from the Cuba match. The next key date is the start of the CONCACAF U20 Championship, slated for mid‑August. Fans can watch the games live via the official FPF broadcast and TVN‑2 channels.

Who are the key protagonists?

Anthony Ramos, the head coach, continues to rely on young striker Mike Stump, who has shown good movement in the box during training. Meanwhile, central midfielder Klissman De Gracia has been the pivot of possession play, facilitating ball distribution. Both players were mentioned in the club's press conference, underscoring their essential role in the team's strategy.