Dely Valdés honoured as Panama brace for Argentina qualifier

Dely Valdés gets the World Cup card treatment

Julio Dely Valdés has been featured as the 44th card in a 48-card World Cup series, cementing his legacy as Panama's most iconic footballer ahead of the 2026 tournament. The former Málaga striker remains the face of Panamanian football on the global stage, and this recognition puts a spotlight on the nation's footballing identity just as the World Cup approaches. For Panama fans, it is a timely reminder of the standard your team must chase – Dely Valdés carried the flag alone for years, and now the current squad has the chance to build something of their own on the biggest stage. (1)

Argentina to face Panama in World Cup 2027 qualifiers

Argentina will begin their World Cup 2027 qualification preparations in Zárate, with Panama confirmed as one of the opponents they will face during the campaign. Details on dates and venues are still to come, but the fixture list already looks daunting. Facing the reigning world champions in a qualifying cycle is the kind of test that will expose exactly where this Panama side stands. After recent friendlies showed defensive fragility in the second half, keeping shape against Argentina's attack will be the ultimate challenge. (2)