MIAMI – The FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 kicked off with four matches on Saturday, including Concacaf nation Panama opening its campaign with a 3-2 loss to Paraguay in Group B at Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander in Valparaíso, Chile.

Paraguay started its campaign in first place with the victory. Ukraine defeated Korea Republic earlier in the night to collect its three points and begin in second place. Panama sits in third place after its opening result.

Panama 2 Paraguay 3

Martín Krug placed Panama in the lead in the 5’ with a right-footed finish inside the box to capitalize on a corner kick opportunity.

 

 

Alexandro Maidana equalized in the 42’ with a left-footed finish as Paraguay made use of a corner kick chance of their own.

Enso González struck off the volley in the 62’, assisted by Maidana, as the South Americans took the lead.

Giovany Herbert tied for Panama in the 76’, playing off the give-and-go with Gustavo Herrera.

Tiago Caballero struck in the 90'+4' to collect full three points for Paraguay.

Panama began its seventh participation in the U-20 World Cup, making its return after last appearing in the 2019 edition. Los Canaleros will meet Ukraine in its next encounter on Tuesday.