Former Panama defender Felipe Baloy is confident that Los Canaleros are ready to turn heads and make a lasting mark at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Baloy etched his name into Panama’s football history by becoming the first player to score for the nation at a World Cup, finding the net with a memorable strike against England at the 2018 tournament in Russia.

At 45, now guiding Panama’s U-17 national team, Baloy remains a passionate observer of the senior squad as they gear up for another shot at football’s grandest stage.

Panama will wrap up their World Cup preparations with a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 6. After a setback against Brazil, the Central Americans showed resilience by rebounding with a win over the Dominican Republic earlier this week.

Baloy is convinced that the current squad has the skill, experience, and discipline to make a real impact, especially as they prepare to face Ghana in their Group L opener in Toronto.

“I think we have a well-organized and experienced team, with players competing in top leagues and performing at a high level,” Baloy told FIFA.

“This group has what it takes to go there, compete, and give Panama a real opportunity to secure the country’s first-ever World Cup victory,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars are sharpening their game in the United States, with one last warm-up match on the horizon before they head to Canada for their highly anticipated opener against Panama on June 17.

Following their opening match, Ghana will journey back to the United States for high-stakes Group L showdowns against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.