Bosnia and Herzegovina, Panama's final test before World Cup 2026 debut

The Panamanian national team will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final warm-up match before the 2026 World Cup, taking place in St. Louis, Missouri.

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We have received eight goals in our two most recent friendly matches, a situation that worries the technical staff.

The team, led by Spanish-Danish coach Thomas Christiansen, is looking to fine-tune their strategy before their opening match on June 17 against Ghana. Panama enters this friendly after a 4-2 victory over the Dominican Republic, but the defense has been a concern, having conceded eight goals in their last two friendly encounters.

Christiansen acknowledged these defensive frailties, stating, "We have received eight goals in our two most recent friendly matches, a situation that worries the technical staff." However, he expressed confidence that the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina will help the team recover "those automatisms again, seek defensive balance, and have more clarity and freshness in front of goal." The coach also highlighted the need for the team to elevate its performance in these preparation games.

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We will recover those automatisms again, seek defensive balance, and have more clarity and freshness in front of goal.

Questions remain about the physical condition of key midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla. "I am not a doctor nor do I have a magic ball to say if Carrasquilla will make it," Christiansen admitted. He added that contingency plans are in place, with "more people going to Toronto, especially in that position," should Carrasquilla be unavailable. The team will begin specific preparations for Ghana once they arrive in Toronto on June 7.

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I am not a doctor nor do I have a magic ball to say if Carrasquilla will make it.

Panama is drawn in Group L alongside Ghana, Croatia, and England. They aim to advance to the next round and surpass their performance in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Bosnia and Herzegovina, who qualified for the World Cup via the UEFA playoffs, are known for their defensive solidity, though they have shown limitations in attack. Veteran striker Edin Dzeko, Bosnia's all-time leading scorer, poses a significant threat, particularly in aerial duels. Bosnia and Herzegovina is ranked 65th in the FIFA rankings and will be making their second World Cup appearance.

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We are going to bring more people to Toronto, especially in that position.