Panama Closes Public Offices Early for World Cup Match

Panamanian public offices will close early on Tuesday, June 22, 2026, at 2 p.m. President José Raúl Mulino signed an executive decree allowing national and municipal employees to watch the national soccer team's second match in the 2026 World Cup. The team faces Croatia in Canada.

The government's decree aims to let public servants support the Panamanian team. Institutions must operate normally until 2 p.m. before closing. The decree prohibits different schedules. The executive branch noted that while players give their best on the field, fans are enthusiastically supporting the national team. Thus, a special schedule for public employees is considered appropriate.

Essential services are exempt from the closure. These include hospitals, clinics, and health centers under the Social Security Fund and Ministry of Health. Also exempt are the National Aqueducts and Sewerage Institute, the Fire Department, the National Civil Protection System, the National Police, other security forces, Metro de Panamá, MiBus, the National Migration Service, Tocumen S.A., the National Customs Authority, and other entities involved in essential services and international trade.

Banking institutions will follow separate regulations from the Superintendency of Banks. The Panama Canal Authority is also excluded from this measure due to its legal framework. The decree suspends administrative terms during the early closure and takes effect immediately. This move aligns the government with the nationwide excitement for Panama's second World Cup participation, a moment that has energized fans both within and outside the country.