Panama and their dream debut in CONMEBOL Copa América™

The Concacaf team already knows what it's like to defeat Bolivia in this competition.

April 29, 2024
CONMEBOL Copa América™
  • In 2016, Panama played in the tournament for the first time and defeated Bolivia in their first match.
  • This year they will close Group C against La Verde on July 1st.

Panama is one of the six CONCACAF teams that qualified for the CONMEBOL Copa América United States 2024™. It will be the second time that the Canaleros play in the tournament following a successful campaign during the 2016 edition.

On June 6, 2016, Panama made its debut at CONMEBOL Copa América™ facing Bolivia at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, United States. With a brace from Blas Pérez, the team coached by Hernán "Bolillo" Gómez won 2-1. Arce scored the temporary equalizer for Bolivia.

That match marked a historic event: Panama became the first (and so far, only) non-CONMEBOL affiliated team to debut in the tournament with a victory. Canada will seek to equal that feat when they face Argentina on June 20.

The other members of Panama's group at CONMEBOL Copa América United States 2016™ were the tournament finalists: Argentina and Chile.

This year, Panama will again compete in the oldest national teams' tournament in the world and be part of Group C alongside the United States, Uruguay, and once again, Bolivia.

Tickets are still available for Panama's matches in the tournament:

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