The Panama national football team began participating in world cup qualifiers in 1978. They have entered all subsequent competitions but have never made it to a finals tournament.

Panama is the southernmost country in Central America. It is bordered by Costa Rica and Colombia. It is possibly most famous for the Panama Canal, which contributes substantially towards the county’s economy through tolls.

With its tropical climate, Panama supports a range of plants, forests and jungles. Unfortunately deforestation is causing a threat to this natural beauty, as well as the animals that live there. Since the 1940’s, 50% of tree cover in Panama has gone.

Panama’s past connections with America have had a major impact on the country’s sports. Baseball is the country’s national sport and Panama has a national team. Panama has contributed the most players from Central America to have played professionally in the American leagues. The country also has a history in boxing, with people in the hall of fame and current world champions. Basketball, golf and tennis are also popular sports but, as I am sure you will have noticed, football is not really up there.