Panama eyes friendly with India before New Zealand match

Panama’s federation is looking to add a third Asian friendly before its Copa Kirin campaign. The potential match against India, to be played in September, would serve as a warm-up before the 1 October game against New Zealand in Yokohama and the 5 October fixture against Ecuador or Japan. India has confirmed only one friendly, against Brazil, on 3 October.

Asian tour plan

The Panamanian Football Federation (Fepafut) has been shaping the upcoming Asian tour that the Panama national team will undertake for the September-October FIFA window. Once participation in the Copa Kirin-where New Zealand, Japan and Ecuador will compete-is confirmed, Fepafut remains determined to secure a third friendly in Asian territory.

Possible match against India

According to various media outlets, Panama could play a third friendly against India. This fixture would serve as a warm-up before the 1 October game against New Zealand at the International Stadium Yokohama. India, for its part, has confirmed only one friendly for this window: Brazil will be its opponent at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on 3 October.

FIFA window schedule

Panama already has two matches confirmed for this FIFA window, which will run over two weeks. On 5 October the team will play Ecuador or Japan as part of the friendly tournament. The chance to face India does not sound far-fetched and could provide an opportunity to play new opponents, complying with FIFA’s rule that a national team cannot play in two different continents during the same FIFA window.

Preparations and squad debate

For this break in the schedule, Thomas Christiansen-who is already in Panama working on the Asian tour-will have a squad of experienced players and a new cohort of young talents emerging from their clubs. There is currently debate over the roster that will be called up, especially to spot the new generation of players performing well at their clubs and seeking a national team opportunity, particularly in the forward line that was questioned during the 2026 World Cup.

Next steps

Details are expected to be finalized in the coming days regarding the potential friendly against India, thereby completing the preparations for the Asian tour.