FOOTBALL | Progress and improve in all senses, Panama coach Christainsen

A tiny nation in Central America, Panama has punched above its weight in the world of football. The national team has made two World Cup appearances (2018 and 2026), apart from recording consistently good results in the CONCACAF Gold Cup international tournament.

These successes have come despite football playing second fiddle to baseball in terms of popularity. From an Indian perspective, Panama’s rise to the top-50 in the FIFA world rankings is the worthy blueprint to follow.

“The most important thing is to progress and improve in all senses,” Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen said, when asked for the secret sauce.

Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen during a press conference ahead of FIFA international friendly match between India and Panama, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru on September 24, 2026. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR