Mexico defeated Panama in a 2026 international friendly, with the only goal coming from a late own-goal by Richard Peralta. Check out here the highlights and key moments from this tightly contested match.
© Hector Vivas / Getty ImagesGerman Berterame of Mexico.
Mexico claimed a narrow victory over Panama in a 2026 international friendly, with a dramatic late own-goal by Richard Peralta deciding the outcome. The visitors controlled possession for long stretches, while Panama looked dangerous on the counter but could not find a way through Mexico’s defense.
Mexico came close on several occasions, with key chances from Armando González and Bryan González, but John Gunn made crucial saves to keep Panama in the game. Both teams showed tactical discipline, making for an intense and competitive match despite the lack of multiple goals.
In the closing minutes, Mexico pressed relentlessly and finally forced the decisive moment when Peralta’s misjudged touch put the ball into his own net. Panama held firm for most of the match, but Mexico’s persistence earned them a hard-fought 1-0 victory in this 2026 international friendly.
10:13PMThanks for joining us!
Mexico beat Panama 1-0 in a 2026 international friendly and you lived every moment of this exciting game here, on Bolavip.
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10:04PM90′ – Full time!! (0-1)
Mexico secure a narrow victory over Panama in their 2026 international friendly, with the only goal coming from a late own-goal by Richard Peralta. The visitors take all three points in a closely contested match.
10:01PM90+5′ GOOOOOAL FOR MEXICO! (0-1)
Mexico open the scoring late in the match after a well-worked move ends with a right-footed effort from Carlos Rodríguez, and the final touch comes off Richard Peralta into his own net. The visitors take the lead in dramatic fashion.
10:00PM90+5′ – Five minutes of added time announced (0-0)
The referee signals five minutes of stoppage time as the match enters its final moments, giving both Mexico and Panama a last chance to break the deadlock.
09:58PM90′ – Panama survive another Mexico chance (0-0)
Mexico craft a great attacking move, ending with a powerful header from Armando González off Alexis Gutiérrez’s assist, but John Gunn reacts brilliantly to tip it over for a corner. The ensuing set piece fails to create any real danger, keeping Panama safe.
09:54PM85′ – Mexico make a substitution (0-0)
Mexico bring on Jesus Gallardo for Bryan González, introducing fresh legs on the wing as they push for a late breakthrough in the final stages of the match.
09:49PM80′ – Panama make another substitution (0-0)
Panama make a change as Omar Cordoba is taken off due to fatigue, with Luis Asprilla coming on to add fresh energy and support both defensively and offensively as the match continues.
09:45PM76′ – Panama escape after Mexico come close (0-0)
Panama breathe a sigh of relief after a brilliant attacking move from Mexico. Alexis Gutiérrez delivers a dangerous cross that Bryan González manages to connect with in an awkward position, sending the ball just wide. The play is ultimately ruled offside, but it is another warning sign for Panama’s defense.
09:43PM75′ – Panama make another substitution (0-0)
Panama make another change as Giovany Herbert leaves the field and Kahiser Lenis comes on.
09:39PM70′ – Yellow card shown to Castañeda (0-0)
Kevin Castañeda is shown a yellow card after committing a hard foul on Giovany Herbert.
09:36PM67′ – Mexico make two more substitutions (0-0)
Mexico continue to rotate their lineup as Marcel Ruiz and Germán Berterame are withdrawn. Armando González and Erik Lira enter the match as Mexico look to find a breakthrough in the closing stages.
09:35PM66′ – Panama make a substitution (0-0)
Panama make a change as Hector Hurtado leaves the match and Abdul Knight comes on, adding fresh legs in the middle of the field as the second half progresses.
09:34PM65′ – Caicedo’s effort comfortably saved by Rangel (0-0)
Panama put together a positive attacking move that ends with Angel Caicedo trying his luck after an individual run. The shot, however, lacks power and is easily collected by Raúl Rangel.
09:31PM63′ – Gunn denies Mexico with a stunning reflex save (0-0)
What a stop from John Gunn. The Panama goalkeeper pulls off a tremendous reflex save after an awkward but dangerous effort from Kevin Castañeda. The ensuing corner kick is taken but comes to nothing, as Panama survive a major scare and keep the score level.
09:26PM57′ – Mexico make three substitutions (0-0)
Mexico make a triple change as Roberto Alvarado, Brian Gutiérrez, and Obed Vargas leave the field. Alexis Gutiérrez, Kevin Castañeda, and Carlos Rodríguez come on as Mexico look to add fresh energy for the remainder of the match.
09:24PM55′ – Play stopped after Aparicio goes down (0-0)
The game is briefly halted due to an apparent injury to Daniel Aparicio of Panama. After receiving attention on the field, it appears to be nothing serious and play is set to resume shortly.
09:20PM50′ – Panama earn their first corner (0-0)
Panama win their first corner of the match after applying high pressure on Mexico’s back line. Eduardo Águila takes the corner kick, but the set piece does not lead to any danger and Mexico clear without issues.
09:18PM49′ – Long-range effort from Murillo (0-0)
Panama try their luck again from distance as Jose Murillo unleashes a shot from outside the box, but the attempt sails well off target and poses no threat to Raúl Rangel.
09:14PM45′ – Second half is underway (0-0)
The match resumes for the second half at the Rommel Fernández Stadium, with Panama making adjustments at the break. Ariel Arroyo is replaced by Javier Rivera, while Ricardo Hindis makes way for Angel Caicedo.
08:58PM45′ – Halftime at the Rommel Fernández Stadium (0-0)
The first half comes to an end with the score still level. Mexico control possession for long stretches but struggle to create clear chances, while Panama remain organized and patient, waiting for opportunities on the counter.
08:54PM42′ – Panama push forward as Mexico ease the pressure (0-0)
Panama look to lift their level in the closing minutes of the second half, with Mexico conceding some ground while maintaining a lower-intensity press.
08:49PM36′ – Yellow card shown to Luis Romo (0-0)
Luis Romo is booked after committing a foul on Jose Kadir, as the referee continues to keep control of the physical play in midfield.
08:47PM35′ – Mexico fail to capitalize on dangerous free kick (0-0)
Mexico earn a dangerous free kick after Obed Vargas is fouled by Jose Murillo, but Bryan Gutiérrez’s delivery fails to produce a clear chance and the opportunity ultimately comes to nothing.
08:43PM31′ – Foul on Cordoba gives Panama a breather (0-0)
Omar Cordoba draws a foul on his side of the field, allowing Panama to slow the tempo and regain possession as Mexico continue to control the match through sustained ball dominance.
08:38PM26′ – Yellow card shown to Aparicio (0-0)
The referee shows a yellow card to Daniel Aparicio following his foul on Germán Berterame.
08:36PM24′ – Aparicio commits a foul on Berterame (0-0)
Daniel Aparicio brings down Germán Berterame inside Panama’s half, but the infringement occurs well away from the penalty area, limiting Mexico’s immediate attacking threat.
08:31PM20′ – Berterame heads wide after Mexico corner (0-0)
Mexico earn a corner kick following a touch from Omar Cordoba, but the chance goes begging as Germán Berterame gets his header all wrong, sending the ball well off target without troubling the goalkeeper.
08:30PM18′ – Foul on Vargas in midfield (0-0)
Obed Vargas is brought down by Ricardo Phillips well away from the penalty area, resulting in a free kick for Mexico in a non-dangerous position as they look to restart possession.
08:26PM15′ – Mexico control possession but lack clear chances (0-0)
Mexico continue to dominate the match with 66% of the possession compared to Panama’s 33%, yet they have struggled to turn that control into real danger. Panama remain patient, sitting back and waiting for a well-timed counterattack as Mexico push higher up the field.
08:21PM9′ – Herbert unleashes a long-range effort (0-0)
Panama regain possession following a throw-in and a clearance from Mexico, allowing Giovany Herbert to unleash a powerful strike from outside the box that nearly catches Raúl Rangel off guard, narrowly missing the target.
08:18PM6′ – Mexico waste a free kick opportunity (0-0)
The free kick comes to nothing for Mexico, as the delivery fails to trouble Panama’s defense and the chance is ultimately wasted without a shot on target.
08:17PM5′ – Foul on Ledezma near Panama’s box (0-0)
Richard Ledezma draws a foul just outside Panama’s penalty area after being brought down by Daniel Aparicio, giving Mexico a promising set-piece opportunity in a dangerous position.
08:16PM4′ – Early minutes with Mexico controlling possession (0-0)
In the opening minutes, Mexico dominate possession but lack penetration in the final third. They circulate the ball from side to side, maintaining control and tempo, yet without creating significant danger or clear scoring chances so far.
08:11PM0′ – Game is underway! (0-0)
The match is officially underway at the Rommel Fernández Stadium as Panama and Mexico get the action started in this 2026 international friendly.
07:50PMMexico remain unbeaten at the Rommel Fernández Stadium
Mexico have never suffered a defeat at the Rommel Fernández Stadium in Panama City. Across six matches played at the venue, Mexico hold a record of two wins and four draws, maintaining their unbeaten run on Panamanian soil heading into tonight’s friendly.
07:30PMTonight’s venue
The Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez Stadium, named after Panamanian soccer icon Rommel Fernández, is a multi-purpose venue located in Panama City. It is primarily used for soccer matches and has a capacity of 32,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium in the country. The venue serves as the home ground for Panama’s senior side and regularly hosts major international and regional fixtures.
07:10PMPanama confirmed starting XI
Panama line up as follows: John Gunn; Omar Cordoba, Richard Peralta, Ariel Arroyo, Daniel Aparicio; Hector Hurtado, Kevin Galvan, Jose Murillo; Ricardo Phillips, Giovany Herbert, Kadir Barria.
07:05PMMexico confirmed lineup
Mexico line up as follows: Raúl Rangel; Richard Ledezma, Víctor Guzmán, Eduardo Águila, Bryan González; Luis Romo, Obed Vargas, Marcel Ruiz; Roberto Alvarado, Germán Berterame, Brian Gutiérrez.
07:00PMMexico enter as favorites
Mexico arrive with a clear historical edge, holding a 13-year unbeaten streak against Panama. Mexico have not lost to Panama since 2013, when they fell 2–1 in the Gold Cup. The current outlook also favors Mexico, who come into today’s match riding a five-game winning streak and looking to extend their dominance in this matchup.
06:40PMToday’s referees
American official Guido González will serve as the referee for the 28th all-time meeting between Panama and Mexico. He will be supported by Cory Richardson and José Da Silva as assistant referees, both from the United States, while Fernando Morón of Panama has been appointed as the fourth official.
06:00PMPanama and Mexico clash in 2026 international friendly
Welcome to our liveblog of today’s international friendly.
Panama face Mexico at the Rommel Fernández Stadium in a matchup that serves as key preparation for both sides outside the FIFA window. Mexico look to start their 2026 schedule on a positive note after a winless run, while Panama aim to test themselves against one of their toughest Concacaf rivals.
Stay with us for essential details and real-time updates as Panama and Mexico clash today.
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