Mexico Edge Panama With Dramatic Late Own Goal

The Rommel Fernández Stadium in Panama City set the stage for a tense and tightly contested international friendly between Panama and Mexico on January 22, 2026. As both teams gear up for the 2026 World Cup, this match was more than just a warm-up—it was a chance to test new lineups, rediscover confidence, and make a statement to the rest of Concacaf. For Mexico, the stakes were especially high, coming into the match without a win in their previous six outings and eager to start the new year on solid footing. Meanwhile, Panama sought to measure their progress against a regional heavyweight as they prepare for what they hope will be a historic second World Cup appearance.

The anticipation was palpable as the teams took to the field at 8:00 PM ET, with fans across the Americas tuning in via Fubo, TUDN USA, FOX Deportes, Univision, ViX, and FOX One. The match, not part of the official FIFA international window, meant that Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre had to rely exclusively on domestic Liga MX talent. European-based players remained with their clubs, leaving the door open for fresh faces and new combinations to shine on the international stage. Notably absent from the lineup was Tijuana’s teenage sensation Gilberto Mora, who was ruled out with a pubalgia injury that could sideline him for up to two months. His absence was felt not only for this match but also for Mexico’s upcoming friendly against Bolivia and several Liga MX fixtures in the Clausura 2026.

Despite the lineup limitations, Mexico entered the match as favorites, buoyed by a 13-year unbeaten streak against Panama and a perfect record at the Rommel Fernández Stadium—two wins and four draws in six previous visits. The pressure was on Aguirre and his squad to end their winless run and set a positive tone for the year ahead. On the other side, Panama’s Danish coach Thomas Christiansen saw the friendly as a vital test, an opportunity to fine-tune his side against elite opposition and gauge readiness for the challenges of the World Cup.

From the opening whistle, Mexico asserted control, dominating possession with a 66% share compared to Panama’s 33%. Yet, for all their ball retention, they struggled to break down an organized and disciplined Panamanian defense. The first half saw Mexico circulating the ball with intent, but clear scoring chances were few and far between. Panama, for their part, sat back patiently, looking for opportunities to counterattack and test Mexico’s back line.

The match’s physicality was evident early, with both teams picking up yellow cards as referee Guido González of the United States sought to keep a lid on proceedings. Luis Romo of Mexico and Daniel Aparicio of Panama both went into the book for fouls in midfield, and the tension only grew as the minutes ticked by. The first half ended with the score locked at 0-0, Mexico’s dominance in possession offset by Panama’s defensive resilience and tactical discipline.

As the second half began, both coaches turned to their benches, making a series of substitutions to inject fresh energy and test different tactical approaches. Mexico made a triple change just before the hour mark, bringing on Alexis Gutiérrez, Kevin Castañeda, and Carlos Rodríguez to spark the attack. Panama responded with their own changes, introducing Abdul Knight, Luis Asprilla, and Kahiser Lenis over the course of the half to bolster both defense and attack.

The match ebbed and flowed, with moments of real danger at both ends. Panama’s John Gunn produced a series of impressive saves, including a stunning reflex stop from Castañeda’s awkward effort and a crucial tip-over from Armando González’s header. Mexico came close on several occasions, with Bryan González narrowly missing the target from a Gutiérrez cross and Berterame heading wide after a corner. Panama, meanwhile, threatened through long-range efforts from Giovany Herbert and Jose Murillo, but Raúl Rangel in the Mexican goal remained largely untroubled.

As the match entered its final stages, the tension was almost unbearable. Five minutes of added time were signaled, and both teams pushed desperately for a breakthrough. In the dying seconds, Mexico finally found the moment they were searching for. A well-worked move saw Carlos Rodríguez unleash a right-footed shot that deflected off Panama’s Richard Peralta and into his own net. The own goal, coming at the 90+5 minute mark, sent the Mexican bench into wild celebrations and gave the visitors a dramatic 1-0 lead.

It was a cruel twist for Panama, who had defended valiantly for nearly the entire match, but Mexico’s persistence and tactical adjustments ultimately paid off. The own goal was the only score of the night, but it was enough to secure Mexico’s first win of 2026 and extend their unbeaten record at the Rommel Fernández Stadium.

For Javier Aguirre, the result offered a much-needed boost and a chance to evaluate his domestic-based players under pressure. The absence of Gilberto Mora was a talking point before the match, but Mexico’s depth and adaptability shone through. “We saw a lot of good things from the squad tonight, especially the way they kept pushing until the last second,” Aguirre might have said, reflecting the spirit on display.

Panama, meanwhile, will take heart from their performance against one of Concacaf’s giants. Christiansen’s side showed discipline, organization, and flashes of attacking intent, but ultimately came up just short. The match served as a valuable benchmark as they continue their build-up to a second World Cup appearance—a testament to the progress made by Panamanian football in recent years.

As the final whistle blew, Mexico’s players embraced on the pitch, relieved to have ended their winless run and eager to carry this momentum into their next friendly against Bolivia. For Panama, the focus will shift to learning from this experience and fine-tuning their approach ahead of the global stage. One thing’s for sure: both teams left the Rommel Fernández Stadium knowing exactly where they stand, and what they’ll need to do as the road to the 2026 World Cup continues.