What Happened
Panama’s women’s national football team has named a 26-player roster for a crucial home doubleheader in the Concacaf World Cup qualifying campaign. Under coach Toña Is, the team will face Aruba on April 9 and Cuba on April 17 at Estadio Universidad Latina in Penonomé, with both matches set for 7:00 p.m.
The squad will begin its preparation this week, starting with a Monday afternoon concentration before traveling to Penonomé on Tuesday. The first training session is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at Estadio Virgilio Tejeira Andrión as the team sharpens its details ahead of the two fixtures.
Group Standings and Stakes
Panama enters the final stretch of the first phase in second place in Group E with six points from two matches. Cuba leads the group with seven points from three games, and only the top team in each group advances to the final round of qualifying, where the spots for the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be decided.
That makes the upcoming matches especially important for Panama, which needs to keep pace in the standings while protecting home advantage. With only one position available from the group, every point carries added weight.
Recent Form
The Panamanian side arrives with confidence after strong away performances in its previous matches. The team defeated Curaçao 6-1 and San Cristóbal y Nieves 3-0, results that have kept the side firmly in the race for qualification.
Those victories also highlight the team’s attacking momentum heading into the home stretch. With two matches in Penonomé, Panama will look to turn its recent form into another step toward the World Cup dream.
The Squad
The 26-player call-up includes Yenith Bailey, Farissa Córdoba, Isabella Morey, Arlén Hernández, Mickeylis Gutiérrez, Rebeca Espinosa, Sara Nieto, Hilary Jaén, Wendy Natis, Carina Baltrip Reyes, Katherine Castillo, Deysiré Salazar, Gloria Sáenz, Karla Riley, Alexis Pashales, Kenia Rangel, Schiandra González, Ericka Araúz, Shayaris Camarena, Ivis Ubarte, Analía Arosemena, Katherin Parris, Riley Tanner, Diana Pon, Sherline King and Ana Quintero.
With a place in the next round at stake, Panama’s home matches against Aruba and Cuba now stand among the most important games of this qualifying phase. The team will be aiming to convert its solid start into a result that keeps the path to the World Cup alive.