When the flag football community looks to the Americas, the question of which nation is considered a medal contender throws up the names of the United States and Mexico, with Canada having returned as a worthy challenger. But let’s not overlook Panama.
In both the men’s and women’s IFAF world championships, Panama are recent medalists and despite having to settle for fourth place when hosting the 2025 Americas, will be pushing for recognition on the world stage in Düsseldorf this summer.
The women were crowned world champions back in 2016, the last nation to win a gold medal before the United States claimed three straight titles. Silver followed two years later, on home soil, while the men were bronze medalists just two world championships ago in Israel in 2021.
The pedigree is there and with some exiting emerging talents and a burgeoning youth squad that won the girls’ gold and boys’ silver at the 2026 ODESUR Games in Panama City, there is a hope that medals and qualification for LA28 might be within reach.
In Opposition in Düsseldorf
Panama’s women will have an immediate opportunity to establish continental bragging rights and avenge a 2025 IFAF Americas semifinals loss and a 2023 bronze medal game defeat when they face Canada, a nation that beat them in the Round of 16 in 2024.
Brazil is also in opposition, and Panama traditionally has the upper hand having won the most recent meetings between the nations in the 2023 and 2025 IFAF Americas. Bronze medalists from Japan complete the group and the last time they were in opposition, Panama won 32-25 to take fifth place at the 2021 IFAF World Championships.
The men face three European opponents in Italy and France who are ranked fourth and fifth in the world respectively, and Great Britain. Panama’s last meeting with Italy was the bronze medal world championships win in 2021.
Players to Watch
Men: Alvaro Roux, quarterback
Women: Ana Vincencini, wide receiver / defensive back
IFAF World Championships Pedigree
Panama’s women are one of only six nations to have won an IFAF world championship (2016) and followed that up with a silver medal two years later. Last time out in Finland in 2024 they finished tenth overall having taken fifth place in 2021.
The men boast a bronze medal finish from 2021 when current USA head coach Jorge Cascudo was at the helm. In 2024 they slipped to 13th place having been knocked out in the Round of 16 by eventual third place finisher and surprise package Switzerland.
Panama debuted at the IFAF Flag Football World Championships in 2012.
The Coaches
Eric Espino leads the women’s challenge, while Ivan Orozco guides the men’s fortunes. Both were in charge at the 2025 IFAF Americas tournament, finishing fourth overall.
In Preparation
In addition to tryouts and player camps, Panama held a tri-nations series of scrimmages, welcoming the national teams of Germany and Puerto Rico to Panama City for a shared training experience.
Photo: AFFP Media
