Panama will await either Brazil or Venezuela in the gold medal game of the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026 U17 Girls’ tournament at 6pm on Sunday at the Emilio Royo Stadium.

The host topped the group stages with an unbeaten 4-0 record and advanced straight to the final after an emphatic 61-6 win over Brazil (2-2) who will face Venezuela (0-4) at 2.15pm for the right to take on Panama.

“I am excited because everyone’s here, our family and friends to see us in our country to see us represent Panama in this super-important tournament,” said Panama quarterback Alejandra Ramos. “We are going to prepare and we’ve beaten both teams twice, but every game is different and we will come into the game with a new mindset to give everything to win the gold.

“Looking forward, I want to go to the Olympics, so I will keep working and I just like to enjoy the game and the time with my coaches and teammates.”

Sunday, April 19 (all times local)

When the tournament resumed on Saturday, Panama’s dual quarterback challenge was again effective as Ramos and Lucia Rodriguez threw seven combined touchdowns in a 56-point shutout of Venezuela. The hosts were impressive on defense too with three interceptions, including a pair from Catalina Pazmino in the first half.

While Brazil looked like Panama’s most likely opponent at the conclusion of Friday’s games, Venezuela bounced back on Saturday to suggest they present a renewed challenge.

Brazil eased to a 38-7 win over Venezuela on Friday, but in Saturday’s match up a much closer contest saw only a six-point difference as a determined defensive performance held Brazil to two touchdowns. An improved Venezuela offense twice saw chances to score fall short in the end zone before a late lofted pass from Natalia Figueroa to Sarah Fermin resulted in a 12-6 final score.

“I feel more comfortable about tomorrow,” said Venezuela head coach Larry Hernandez. “The first loss was emotional, and the girls were crying and were frustrated, but now we have more faith in us. Our quarterback is more comfortable and while we had four drops today, we need no drops tomorrow.”

The first-ever flag football at the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026 competition is showcasing some of the talent emerging in this part of the Americas. The sport was included as IFAF continues to expand competitive opportunities for national youth teams and increase the sport’s presence across the Olympic movement.

Player of the Day

Sarah Fermin, Venezuela

The wide receiver caught her nation’s only touchdown of the day, as she had on Friday, and her scoring grab that almost triggered a comeback against a Brazil will inspire Venezuela when the teams meet again on Sunday for a place in the gold medal game.

“I felt great and it brought the hope up of our entire team,” said Fermin of her touchdown. “Tomorrow we will go with everything we have, and we hope it is our day. It’s really been an honor to play flag football with this team and represent Venezuela.”

Day One Standings

Panama 4-0 Brazil 2-2 Venezuela 0-4

Saturday Results

Panama 56 Venezuela 0 Venezuela 6 Brazil 12 Brazil 6 Panama 61

Friday Results

Brazil 38 Venezuela 7 Panama 53 Brazil 14 Venezuela 0 Panama 62

Photo: Grasiela Gonzaga