Panama Secures Brazil Friendly While Bafana Still Searching

While the South African Football Association (SAFA) is still finalizing warm-up matches for Bafana Bafana ahead of the June FIFA World Cup, Panama has already secured a high-profile “glamour” fixture.

Panama—who played to a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday—has confirmed a friendly against five-time World Cup champions Brazil. The match is expected to take place in either Washington, D.C., or Rio de Janeiro, on 31 May.

Post-Match Confirmations

The news was confirmed by Panama’s head coach, Thomas Christiansen, following his side’s stalemate in Durban.

Panama saw their early lead canceled out by Oswin Appollis just four minutes into the second half in front of a healthy crowd. The two nations are set to meet again for a second friendly at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town this Tuesday.

A Step Up in Competition

Currently ranked 34th in the world, Panama’s path through the CONCACAF qualifiers saw them dominate lower-ranked opposition. To finish top of their group with 12 points, they overcame:

• El Salvador (Ranked 98th)
• Guatemala (Ranked 95th)
• Suriname (Ranked 126th)

However, the World Cup will be a much steeper challenge. Co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament has placed Panama in a demanding group alongside England (4th), Croatia (11th), and Ghana (72nd).

Preparing for the Elite

To ensure they aren’t merely “donating points” in June, Christiansen emphasized the importance of facing elite teams like Brazil—who are looking to bounce back after a recent 2-1 loss to France in the United States.

“As you have seen, we have a game against Brazil in Rio de Janeiro,” Christiansen stated, who was born in Denmark but played for Spain. 

“That will be a tough game. It is official; it is not official, but against the world champions in Washington before the World Cup. We will be prepared for these two strong opponents. 

“Again, the qualifying games for the World Cup were tough; it was nothing given. You had to prove every game that you are a better team.”  

Panama’s World Cup Schedule (Group L)