Panama

Panama fans watch the 2026 World Cup from Panama City (EST, UTC-5). Their Group L matches kick off between 16:00 and 18:00 local time, making this the most fan-friendly group stage schedule Panama has ever received.

What the schedule means for Panamanian fans

Panama observes Eastern Standard Time year-round without daylight saving, placing Panama City just one hour behind Eastern Daylight Time on the US East Coast. The Toronto and New York venues for Group L sit slightly ahead in EDT, translating their afternoon and early-evening local kickoffs into afternoon slots in Panama.

Group L local kickoff times in Panama City

• June 17: vs Ghana at Toronto. 18:00 (Panama City)
• June 23: vs Croatia at Toronto. 18:00 (Panama City)
• June 27: vs England at New York. 16:00 (Panama City)

All three matches in the afternoon and early evening

Every Group L match falls in the afternoon or early evening in Panama City. The back-to-back 18:00 kickoffs against Ghana and Croatia on consecutive match days are ideal viewing slots for a country whose football culture reaches peak intensity for the national team. The England finale at 16:00 is a Sunday afternoon kickoff.

Panama’s 2018 World Cup appearance in Russia was their first. That campaign included a famous goal against England, the first World Cup goal in Panamanian history, which sparked national celebrations. The England rematch in 2026, watched at 16:00 Panama City time rather than late at night, gives fans every opportunity to be gathered and ready.

The large Panamanian diaspora in Miami and New York can watch these matches in person or at Eastern Time slots that match almost exactly with Panama City.

Check Panama time for live conversions throughout the tournament. For full match previews and analysis, see whensport.com.