Panama leads the U17 Boys’ competition after the opening day of action at the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026 saw the host nation beat Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina at the Emilio Royo Stadium.

The four nations will meet each other again on Saturday in the second part of the round robin to decide the matchups for Sunday’s semifinals and ultimately the gold medal game. Panama sits at 3-0 with Brazil (2-1) ahead of Argentina (1-2) and Uruguay (0-3).

“Our team feels good, our defense is getting things right and I think we can win the gold,” said Panama wide receiver Juan Vincencini who caught three touchdowns including a spectacular high grab in the endzone in his team’s second win. “I’m playing well and my team is playing well and thanks to my quarterback and my other receivers we have a great thing going on.”

The first-ever victory in flag football at the OSEDUR games was claimed by Argentina with a 32-12 win over Uruguay. The tournament’s historic first touchdown came as Argentina halted Uruguay’s first possession before quarterback Joaquin Sueiro Martin found Matteo Liatti for a 6-0 lead.

Argentina led 19-12 at halftime then scored 13 unanswered points after the break. Sueiro Martin passed and rushed for two touchdowns.

Wide receiver Francisco Steinborn, who reeled in two extra points in the win, said: “It was a good game and our offense and defense played well. It was a close game until the second half and then we were the stronger team.”

Uruguay’s Matias Claverol Melgar, who caught both his nation’s touchdowns, had the distinction of also making the first catch of the boy’s tournament.

“It’s very special for me and we knew our hard work would be rewarded,” said the wide receiver and defensive back. “We think that tomorrow we can get better and we can win.”

Host nation Panama opened their campaign with a 55-34 win over Brazil as quarterback Carlos Moses threw seven touchdowns, including three to receiver Diego Cedeno and a pair to Vincencini. Brazil bounced back with a 61-0 defeat of Argentina as quarterback Pablo Santiago Ricardo starred, throwing three touchdowns and showcasing his elusive rushing for two more scores.

Uruguay took the lead against high-flying Panama as Claverol Melgar was again the target of quarterback Mateo Rodriguez, but the hosts recovered and moved ahead 38-6 by halftime in an eventual 60-13 win. Quarterback Moses threw another six scoring passes.

Brazil continued their blitz with 59 unanswered points against Uruguay who fought until the end in their quest to put points on the board. The elusive rushing of quarterback Santiago Ricardo proved unplayable as he scored a hattrick of touchdowns on the ground.

Panama signed off with their third win though an improving and dogged Argentina twice pulled within a score of the hosts in the first half before falling 63-20.  Panama receiver Ismael Jaen reeled in four scores while Moses threw seven touchdowns.

Player of the Day

Matias Claverol Melgar, Uruguay

While there were some impressive numbers put up such as the 20 touchdown passes by Panama quarterback Carlos Moses and the rushing prowess of Brazil’s Pablo Santiago Ricardo, it is the Uruguayan who wins Friday’s recognition. Claverol Melgar played both ways, lining up on every snap at receiver and defensive back with a determined attitude. He scored all three of his nation’s touchdowns.

Standings

Panama 3-0 Brazil 2-1 Argentina 1-2 Uruguay 0-3

Results

Argentina 32 Uruguay 12 Panama 55 Brazil 34 Brazil 61 Argentina 0 Uruguay 13 Panama 60 Brazil 59 Uruguay 0 Panama 63 Argentina 20

Saturday, April 18 (all times local)