EXPLAINER
World Cup 2026 Preview: Tiny Panama dream big on tournament return
Panama are World Cup-bound for a second time in eight years, but in 2026, they’re not there to just make up the numbers.
![Panama players take a lap of honour around the Rommel Fernandez Stadium after confirming their World Cup 2026 qualification on November 18, 2025, with a 3-0 victory against El Salvador [File: Martin Bernetti/AFP]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AFP__20251119__84FT6G2__v1__HighRes__FblWc2026QualifierConcacafPanSlv-1773904945.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![It’s been 10 years since the Panama Papers leak exposed how the world’s richest hide their wealth. From offshore shell companies to political scandals, the documents revealed a global network of secret finances. [Global News Insight]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-1775229416.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
Advertisement
Content Feed
From: Featured Documentaries
Latin America: In the Shadow of the US | Ep 1 – Coups
US-backed coups reshape Latin America, toppling democracies and fuelling decades of dictatorship, secrecy, and revolt.
Published On 9 Feb 2026
Panama’s president hits back after China threat in canal ports row
President Mulino responds to China, insists his country upholds the rule of law and and has an independent court system.
China warns Panama as Hong Kong firm contests ruling on canal ports
China calls court ruling against Hong Kong firm CK Hutchison on Panama Canal ports ‘absurd’ and ‘shameful’.
Shipping giant Maersk to take over Panama Canal ports after court ruling
Danish company will replace Hong Kong-based firm after Trump claimed strategic waterway was controlled by China.
Panama court rules Chinese control of canal ports unconstitutional
Lawsuit was brought before court in 2025 as US threatened to seize control of strategic waterway.
From: NewsFeed
US pressure mounts at Panama Canal over Venezuelan oil shipments
The Panama Canal has become the focus of increased US pressure as the US tries to curb Venezuelan oil shipments.
Published On 6 Jan 2026
Maduro joins Iraq’s Saddam, Panama’s Noriega as latest leader taken by US
The reported capture of Venezuelan president evokes previous eras when other leaders were seized by US.
EXPLAINER
Meet the US’s drug running friends: A history of narcotics involvement
Trump claims to be cracking down on drug gangs in Venezuela but pardoned a Honduran drug lord serving time in the US.
![A demonstration against the Contras, the US intervention in Nicaragua, Central America and Honduras [File: Rick Maiman/Sygma via Getty Images]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GettyImages-1039970092-1764842063.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
EXPLAINER
A timeline of CIA operations in Latin America
The recent strikes on boats in the Caribbean are an extension of a long US tradition of interference in the region.
From: NewsFeed
Panama’s Guna set example for climate displacement resiliency
Panama’s indigenous Guna people may be the example to follow for others affected by climate change.
Published On 13 Nov 2025
