Panamá vs Mexico: Key Insights and Lineups Revealed
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the Mexican national soccer team is kicking off its year with a friendly match against Panama. This encounter marks the team’s first of two preparation games scheduled outside the official FIFA window, restricting player availability from European clubs.
Match Overview
The match against Panama is set to take place at the Estadio Rommel Fernández on January 22, 2026. Mexican coach Javier Aguirre aims to assess local talent from Liga MX, focusing on players who will represent Mexico in the World Cup.
Key Dates and Times
- Date: January 22, 2026
- Time:
- 19:00 CDT (CDMX)
- 20:00 E.T (Colombia, Peru, Ecuador)
- 22:00 (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay)
Team Form and Historical Context
Mexico enters this match following a challenging run of six games without a victory, which includes four draws and two losses. Their last win was against the United States in the Gold Cup final. In contrast, Mexico has a strong historical advantage over Panama, winning 20 of their previous encounters, with only 2 victories for Panama and 2 draws.
Lineups for the Match
| Panama | Mexico |
|---|---|
| John Gunn | Raúl Rangel |
| Richard Peralta | Richard Ledezma |
| Daniel Aparicio | Víctor Guzmán |
| Héctor Hurtado | Eduardo Águila |
| Ricardo Phillips | Bryan González |
| Giovany Herbert | Luis Romo |
| Omar Cordoba | Obed Vargas |
| Kevin Galván | Marcel Ruiz |
| Kadir Barria | Brian Gutiérrez |
| Jose Murillo | Roberto Alvarado |
| Ariel Arroyo | Germán Berterame |
Conclusion
This friendly match against Panama serves as a critical step in Mexico’s preparations for the World Cup. With historical dominance and recent challenges, the outcome will be essential for building momentum as they approach the tournament.
