Suriname Leads, Panama Stumbles in World Cup Qualifying Shocker
Panama narrowly avoided a major upset, salvaging a 1-1 draw against Suriname on matchday 4 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at the Rommel Fernández Stadium. A late goal from Ismael Díaz in the 96th minute secured a point for Panama, but the result has dramatically reshaped the landscape of Group A, placing Suriname in an unexpected first-place position.
The surprising outcome leaves Suriname and Panama tied on 6 points,with Suriname ahead on goal difference. Guatemala‘s 1-0 victory over El Salvador further complicates matters, pushing them to third place with 5 points. This unexpected turn of events puts Panama’s world Cup hopes in jeopardy, currently outside of both automatic qualification and playoff contention, trailing Costa Rica (6 pts, better goal difference) and Curaçao (8 pts) for the best second-place spots.
Current Group A Standings (as of October 17, 2023):
- Suriname – 6 points (Goal Difference: +1)
- Panama – 6 points (Goal difference: 0)
- Guatemala – 5 points
- El Salvador – 2 points
Looking Ahead:
The next FIFA date in November will be decisive. Suriname will host El Salvador on November 13, while Guatemala will welcome Panama. The final matchday on november 18 will see Panama host El Salvador and Suriname travel to face Guatemala.
