The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in CONCACAF heat up with a crucial Group A matchup as El Salvador vs Panama at Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador on Friday, October 10, 2025.
Set to kick off at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT / local time), this third-round game could be pivotal for the group standings, El Salvador vs Panama both teams eager to secure vital points in their bid for automatic 2026 World Cup qualification to the expanded tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
In the October FIFA World Cup qualification Window match, El Salvador looks to recover from a recent loss, while Panama is determined to claim their first win of this stage. For previews, predictions, team updates, lineups, or details on watching the match live, complete guide with form analysis and key stats.
El Salvador vs Panama Match Overview and Context
Table of Contents
This fixture is part of CONCACAF’s third-round qualifiers, where 12 teams are split into three groups of four, playing home and away from September to November 2025.
Group winners qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, with the two best runners-up entering inter-confederation playoffs. With six automatic spots and two playoff berths available for CONCACAF, every point counts.
El Salvador, coached by David Dóniga, is eyeing their first World Cup since 1982. Panama, under Thomas Christiansen, made their debut in 2018 and narrowly missed 2022.
Historically, the teams are evenly matched, with 23 wins each in 59 meetings, but El Salvador has won their last four home qualifiers against Panama. Expect a gritty battle at the 53,400-capacity Estadio Cuscatlán, known for its passionate atmosphere.
Current Standings in CONCACAF Third Round Group A
As of October 10, 2025 (before matchday 3), Group A standings are tight after two matches each:
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suriname | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 6 |
| 2 | El Salvador | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Panama | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 4 | Guatemala | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
El Salvador sits second after a 1-0 win over Guatemala and a 2-1 loss to Suriname. Panama is third, drawing 0-0 with Suriname and 1-1 with Guatemala.
El Salvador vs Panama Match Preview
El Salvador started strongly with a 1-0 victory over Guatemala but fell 2-1 at home to Suriname, conceding late. They’ve struggled for goals, failing to score in three of their last five games, and have just two wins in 2025—both away.
At home, they’ve won their last four World Cup qualifiers against Panama, but face a fine for fan behavior in their previous match, potentially reducing the crowd.
Panama has been draw specialists, tying both qualifiers while keeping two clean sheets. Unbeaten in their last seven World Cup qualifiers (five clean sheets), they’ve lost just once in eight games overall—a penalty shootout to Honduras in the 2025 Gold Cup.
However, they’ve scored only once in this round and are winless in three straight. Their defensive solidity on the road could frustrate El Salvador, but they need to convert draws into wins.
El Salvador vs Panama Team News and Possible Lineups
El Salvador Team News
Nathan Ordaz was subbed off early in their last match and remains goalless in five caps. Veteran Darwin Ceren (103 caps) will extend his record. No major injuries reported, but they must improve attacking output.
Possible El Salvador Starting Lineup (4-3-3):
Gonzalez; Valladares, Sibrian, Romero, Dominguez; Ceren, Osorio, Landaverde; Ordaz, Gil, Climaco.
Panama Team News
Tomas Rodriguez has scored in three of his last four games and could start. Anibal Godoy (153 caps) anchors midfield. No fresh injuries, with focus on defensive partnerships.
Possible Panama Starting Lineup (3-5-2):
Mosquera; Murillo, Escobar, Andrade; Barcenas, Carrasquilla, Godoy, Rodriguez, Davis; Diaz, Fajardo.
El Salvador vs Panama Prediction
Both teams have labored in attack, with nine of their last 12 meetings under 2.5 goals. El Salvador’s home form against Panama is strong, but Panama’s clean-sheet streak and unbeaten qualifier run give them the edge. Prediction: El Salvador 1-2 Panama. Los Canaleros secure their first win, climbing the group.
How to Watch El Salvador vs Panama FIFA World Cup Qualifications 2026
- Date and Time: Friday, October 10, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT
- Venue: Estadio Cuscatlán, San Salvador, El Salvador
- TV and Streaming (USA): English on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network; Spanish on NBC Peacock or Telemundo
- Global Options: FIFA+ (select regions), or local broadcasters like Canal 4 (El Salvador) and TVMax (Panama)
- Live Scores and Updates: ESPN, Flashscore, or Sofascore for real-time stats and highlights
Conclusion
El Salvador vs Panama is a must-win qualifier that could define their 2026 World Cup hopes in Group A. With Panama favored to edge a low-scoring affair, expect tension and tactics.
For live updates, post-matchday recaps, and more on CONCACAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers, including scores and highlights, stay with your top source for soccer previews and analysis. Tune in tonight!
