India played Panama to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on 25 September 2026.
The result provided the Blue Tigers with a good match against a much higher-ranked opponent. Panama was ranked 44th in the FIFA rankings and India much lower. It was the first international game between the two nations.
The match was originally scheduled for September 26 but was moved forward by one day because the Sree Kanteerava Stadium was due to host the Bengaluru Marathon.
Ryan Williams Gives India the Lead
India started with confidence and there were a few promising attacking opportunities in the first half.
Ryan Williams was one of India's biggest threats. His movement and work on the flank repeatedly caused problems for the Panama defence.
India’s pressure finally resulted in a goal just before half-time. Ryan Williams scored in the 41st minute and finished calmly after receiving a pass from Akash Mishra after a well-worked move.
The goal sent the home crowd into rapture and India led 1-0 at half time. The goal was especially significant as India were playing a Panama side that had recently featured at the 2026 World Cup.
Panama Equalise Through Omar Valencia
Panama made changes after the interval and gradually increased the pressure on the Indian defence.
Their efforts paid off in the 68th minute when Omar Valencia found the net with a long-range effort. The shot beat Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and brought Panama level at 1-1.
Panama continued to threaten after the equaliser but India’s defence managed to withstand the pressure. Gurpreet also made some good saves as the visitors searched for a second goal.
India had opportunities of their own late in the match but could not find another breakthrough.
A clinical finish into the back of the net to give the Blue Tigers the breakthrough against Panama! 🦁
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 25, 2026
Watch India vs Panama, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network Channels, Sony LIV & Sony Aath!#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #SonyAath #INDvPAN pic.twitter.com/Q62d56Swjk
Important result before Brazil and Uruguay tests
The draw comes at a crucial moment in Indian football. Panama is the first of three 2026 World Cup teams India will face in this international friendly phase, AIFF said.
India will play Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6, both in Kolkata.
For coach Khalid Jamil, the Panama match was an opportunity to test his players against a physically and technically stronger opponent.
India came into the match looking to end a four-match winless run. The draw therefore gave the team a positive result before two much-anticipated matches against Brazil and Uruguay.
When did India vs Panama happen?
The India-Panama friendly was played on Friday, September 25, 2026 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
Match Result
India 1-1 Panama
- India: Ryan Williams – 41'
- Panama: Omar Valencia – 68'
- Venue: Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
- Date: September 25, 2026
- Competition: International Friendly
- India coach: Khalid Jamil
