Panama's U-17 national team travels this Saturday, October 31, to the United Arab Emirates for their final preparation camp ahead of the age-group World Cup in Qatar. Managed by Felipe Baloy, the squad will stay there from November 4 to 12 and play three international friendlies against other qualified teams.

The main goal of the training camp is to fine-tune the final details and make the last squad cut. From the 24 players who began the concentration at Mañanitas Country Club, three will be dropped to form the definitive 21-man squad, which will include three goalkeepers and 18 outfield players. Goalkeeper Isaías Abuabara, from Celta de Vigo, will join the group directly in Qatar.

Final adjustments

The Panamanian Football Federation confirmed the trip through its social media channels. "Los dirigidos por el DT @pinbaloy23 viajarán este sábado 31 de octubre para el campamento," FEPAFUT posted. The governing body also highlighted the start of this new microcycle "con miras a la próxima Copa Mundial Sub-17 de la FIFA".

During the last session in Panama, the group completed a training session lasting approximately two hours that included warm-ups, ball work, and futsal matches among the squad members. The camp in the United Arab Emirates represents the final phase of a preparation period that has seen the national team maintain a three-match unbeaten run in their latest outings, according to our verified data. Their most recent result was a 1-1 draw against Ecuador on October 5.

Onward to the World Cup

After the camp, the Panamanian expedition will fly to Qatar on November 12, one week before their World Cup opener. Panama is in Group A of the tournament, alongside hosts Qatar, Egypt, and Greece. Their first match will be against the Qatari side on November 19 at 10:30 a.m. in Doha.

The selection process has already seen one forced change due to injury. Joseph Choy of Tauro FC was replaced by his club teammate Emanuel Rodríguez. The squad is composed of players from teams such as CD Plaza Amador, Tauro FC, and the aforementioned Celta de Vigo, among others.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup will be held in Qatar from November 19 to December 13, 2026. The Panamanian team will aim to advance from the group stage for the first time in the category's history.

More detail at Mi Diario