International Friendly: Panama and India Eye Chance to Rebuild
India has won only one home competitive match since lifting the SAFF Championship in 2023, while Panama arrives with five possible senior debuts.
- On Thursday, September 24, 2026, India hosts Panama at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru for a high-profile international friendly, with kickoff at 7:30 pm IST.
- Prioritizing friendlies against World Cup-playing nations like Brazil, Uruguay, and Panama over the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, India seeks to reset after winning just twice in 12 games under coach Khalid Jamil.
- Jamil overhauled the squad, dropping seniors Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, and Lallianzuala Chhangte, who hold 292 caps collectively, stating, "I have decided to mix the junior and senior players and give the younger guys more matches to play."
- Head coach Thomas Christiansen opted for an overhaul with 14 of 26 World Cup players, emphasizing, "You must give the players the best conditions to improve" as Panama refines Los Canaleros after a winless World Cup campaign.
- Minnesota United midfielder Carlos Harvey advised Indian footballers to "look for challenges" abroad to elevate their level, as Panama's rise to top-50 FIFA rankings offers a blueprint for India's future growth.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Panama First Up as India Begin Demanding Run of International Friendlies
Get latest articles and stories on Sports at LatestLY. Three years after lifting the SAFF Championship at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the Indian men's national team return to familiar territory on Friday, to begin a demanding run of international friendlies with a first-ever meeting against Panama. Sports News | Panama First Up as India Begin Demanding Run of International Friendlies.
Panama first up as India begin demanding run of international friendlies - The Tribune
Three years after lifting the SAFF Championship at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the Indian men's national team return to familiar territory on Friday, to begin a demanding run of international friendlies with a first-ever meeting against Panama.
India can face Brazil, Panama, Uruguay. But World Cup when? Christiansen explains
India are preparing to face three World Cup-bound teams, but Panama coach Thomas Christiansen says the bigger challenge lies at home. He has pointed to the league, facilities, coaching, ambition and long-term player development.
India vs Panama: Can Khalid Jamil’s side make a statement?
India face Panama in Bengaluru on Friday in the first of three international friendlies this window. With Brazil and Uruguay to follow in Kolkata on October 3 and 6, what can India expect from the Panama test? Dhiman Sarkar previews the game, the key talking points and what these matches mean for Khalid Jamil’s side.
Bengaluru: India, who are scheduled to play against former world champions Brazil and Uruguay in the first week of October, will play their first Test on Friday. Central American...
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