Panama's men's futsal team landed in Managua on Monday, October 26, to begin preparations for the 2026 Nations Cup. The reigning continental champions are using the tournament in Nicaragua as a key warm-up ahead of next year's official commitments.
The competition runs from October 28 to 31 at the Polideportivo Alexis Argüello. Panama opens its campaign this Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. against El Salvador. Their second match is on Friday the 30th versus Costa Rica, also at 3:30 p.m., before concluding the group stage on Saturday the 31st. The winner of each group will advance to the final on the last day.
Head coach Jaime Aizpú travelled with a 14-player squad, featuring two based abroad: José Yearwood (SS Bocca, Ecuador) and Luis Vásquez (Corredores Futsal, Costa Rica). The starting goalkeeper is Noel Hernández of Río Abajo FS, while the defence includes Alfonso Maquensi and Ricardo Castillo, both from Villa 9. The wings feature Ruman Millord and the experienced Abdiel Ortiz.
"We have to be prepared for any team," Aizpú stated upon arrival. The coach added that "every time the country goes abroad to play it carries weight, even if it's a friendly, and you have to leave the name of Panama high, no matter what you play."
This tournament is vital for assessing the team's collective play as they build towards World Cup qualification. Their next fixture is an away trip to Curaçao on November 9.
Panama arrives in Nicaragua as the defending Concacaf champion, having won the 2024 title by defeating Cuba 4-3 in the final. That victory secured their place at the 2024 World Cup in Uzbekistan, marking their fourth consecutive global finals after appearances in 2012, 2016, and 2021. Their best World Cup performance remains reaching the round of 16 on their debut.
The team's regional pedigree also includes a silver medal at the 2013 Central American and Caribbean Games and gold in 2017. The immediate goal in Managua is to win Group B, which they share with Costa Rica and El Salvador, and contest Saturday's final. All matches will be held at the Polideportivo Alexis Argüello.
The full squad includes goalkeepers Noel Hernández and Jorge Hernández. The defenders are Alfonso Maquensi, Ricardo Castillo, Fernando Sánchez, and Alexis Castillo. The wingers are Ruman Millord, Abdiel Ortiz, Jafet Alvarado, José Yearwood, Didier Herrera, and Luis Vásquez. The pivots are Ángel Sánchez and Jesús Santos. The team's opening match is this Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. local time.
More detail at Infobae
