SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – The Final Round of the Concacaf Qualifiers to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued with Panama earning a 1-nil victory at El Salvador in Group A on Friday at Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador, El Salvador.
José Córdoba made an important denial in the box in the first minute as Brayan Gil looked for a quick advantage for the hosts.
Adalberto Carrasquilla struck a left-footed shot from the top of the box in the 43’ but was denied by El Salvador goalkeeper Mario González.
Gil threatened at the far post in the 48’ but could not redirect a service that originated from a corner kick on frame.
José Fajardo struck the winning goal for Panama in the 55’ with a right-footed shot in the box to connect on a service by Amir Murillo.
With the result, Panama improved to five points and occupies second place with only a tiebreaker separating it from the top spot. El Salvador is third in the group with three points, but two points removed from first place.
Both teams will continue their qualifying campaigns on Tuesday, as Panama will host Suriname while El Salvador will receive Guatemala.
