Panama

Panama's first World Cup in 2018 was a moment of pure national joy. Their qualification-clinching win over Costa Rica triggered a national holiday and prompted the president to declare a day off work.

At Russia 2018, Panama lost all three matches but scored their first-ever World Cup goal through Felipe Baloy against England. The entire team and bench erupted in celebration.

Football competes with baseball as Panama's favorite sport. World Cup qualification has accelerated football's growth, with youth academies expanding rapidly across the country since 2018.