The eagerly anticipated kick-off of the is edging ever nearer, with Panama preparing to make their fifth appearance on the prestigious stage. “It’s hugely important to have the opportunity to compete at a World Cup – whether at senior or youth level – and to face the best national teams on the planet,” told FIFA in an exclusive interview. “We’re keen to continue showing how far football has come in Panama. With every passing day, we’re even more determined to compete rather than simply make up the numbers.”
Born in Panama City in 1981, the former central defender made history in 2018 by netting Panama’s first-ever goal at the , and he now coaches his country’s U-17 side. “I’m delighted to have taken on this challenge and to have the chance to coach these talented youngsters with bright futures ahead of them,” he explained. “The aim is to pass on the experience and knowledge I gained throughout my career.”
The Panamanians secured their place in on the back of three victories in as many outings in the Concacaf qualifiers. Baloy believes that Panama have “many quality young players with tremendous potential” and is confident that his charges will showcase their talents at the forthcoming . The tournament will take place from 19 November to 13 December, with Panama lining up in . The Central Americans are set to open their campaign against the hosts before squaring off against Greece and Egypt.
“It’s a fairly favourable group and one in which we think we can compete and progress,” said the 45-year-old tactician. “That’s our main goal, but we know it won’t be easy. We’ll face strong opponents with some very talented players. We’ve been gathering information and analysing match footage for some time now to understand what we’ll be up against.”
La Rojita reached the last 16 on their tournament debut in 2011, when they were eliminated by hosts and eventual champions Mexico. They then failed to progress beyond the group stage at the 2013, 2023 and 2025 editions.
Baloy stressed that the first challenge is to make it to the knockout phase, although his ambitions extend well beyond that. “Ever since we took charge, our goal has been to compete and write our names into the history books,” he noted. “For us, making history means reaching the quarter-finals, which is our minimum aim. We’re fully focused and always set out to win. I have no doubt that this team will compete and make history in Qatar.”
Baloy hung up his boots after making more than 100 appearances for his country’s senior side and enjoying a much-travelled club career in which he plied his trade in his homeland, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico and Guatemala. However, he regrets the fact that he never had the opportunity to play in a tournament like FIFA’s U-17 global showpiece. “That’s why I tell the boys they have to appreciate the experience, enjoy it and make the most of it,” he added.
Baloy occasionally reminds his fresh-faced troops about his consolation strike in the 6-1 defeat to England on Russian soil – Panama’s first-ever goal on the game’s ultimate stage, which he notched after entering the fray at the age of 37 years and 120 days. “It was, is and always will be an important goal in our country’s history,” he stated. “It was a moment of great joy and emotion that we’ll never forget.”
The Panamanian powerhouse believes his playing career helps him inspire the fledglings under his wing.
“They were only very young when I was playing,” he explained. “Sometimes, as a joke, I tell them that I was a defender and still managed to score more goals than they do, just to tease them when they miss. They claim I wasn’t much of a goalscorer, so I tell them to go online and watch that goal against England, and we all have a good laugh about it. Some of them understand what I achieved and the kind of player I was,” he continued proudly. “That helps them see me as a role model and gives them the belief that they can reach that level.”
The is now guiding Panama’s rising stars along their own path – one that will imminently lead them to Qatar. “This U-17 World Cup could have a major impact on their future,” Baloy concluded.
Sources: FIFA Official
