El Salvador vs. Panamá: Crucial Match in World Cup Qualifiers

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — El Salvador will face Panama in a pivotal World Cup qualifying match on Friday, October 10. The game is scheduled for 8:55 PM ET at the Estadio Cuscatlán.

This match marks the third round of the CONCACAF qualifiers for the World Cup 2026. Both teams need points to keep their hopes of qualifying alive, especially with Surinam currently leading the group.

El Salvador enters the match with three points after a recent loss to Surinam (2-1). Under the leadership of Colombian coach Hernán Darío “Bolillo” Gómez, the team is looking to leverage home-field advantage. “This team has heart and talent, with a clear goal: to return to the World Cup,” Gómez said.

Key players for El Salvador include Tomás Romero from New York City FC and Darwin Cerén, who will be crucial in midfield. Their last encounter was less than favorable, and they aim to redeem themselves in front of their fans.

Meanwhile, Panama, coached by Thomas Christiansen, comes into the match with two points from two draws. “We need to win away, and we have a strong squad to do it,” Christiansen said. Players like Aníbal Godoy and Michael Amir Murillo will play vital roles for the Canaleros, who seek their first win in these qualifiers.

The match will be broadcast live in Spanish on Telemundo Deportes, with comprehensive coverage available to viewers in the United States. As both teams prepare for this critical showdown, the stakes are high — a win is essential to bolster their chances of qualification.

With both teams desperate for three points, the match promises to provide intense action as they vie for a spot in the upcoming World Cup.