Panama faces New Zealand in a Kirin Cup semifinal on Thursday, October 1, with kickoff set for 2:10 AM ET. In the United States, no TV channel or streaming service has been confirmed for the match. The winner advances to the final against the winner of Japan vs Ecuador on October 5 at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo.
| Match | Panama vs New Zealand |
| Date | Thursday, October 1, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 2:10 AM ET |
| Competition | International friendly, Kirin Cup semifinal |
| U.S. TV | None confirmed |
| U.S. Stream | None confirmed |
| Venue | Nissan Stadium, Yokohama, Japan |
Where to Watch Panama vs New Zealand
As of publication, no U.S. television channel or streaming platform has announced coverage of Panama vs New Zealand, in English or Spanish.
Why This Match Matters
This is a semifinal of the Kirin Cup, the four-team tournament Japan is hosting in the October international window, and the first meeting ever between the senior men’s national teams of Panama and New Zealand. The winner plays for the trophy on October 5 against Japan or Ecuador, while the loser drops into the third-place playoff the same day in Tokyo.
For Panama, the match is the second stop on an Asian tour that opened with a flat 1-1 draw against India in Bengaluru. For New Zealand, it is the third leg of an unbeaten tour through Asia, following a 2-2 draw with Palestine and a 3-0 win over China. Both teams are evaluating players at the start of a new World Cup cycle after group-stage exits this summer.
Recent Form
Panama (all competitions, last five): drew 1-1 with India on September 25 in a friendly in Bengaluru, lost 0-2 to England on June 27 at the World Cup, lost 0-1 to Croatia on June 23 at the World Cup, lost 0-1 to Ghana on June 17 at the World Cup, and drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 7 in a friendly.
New Zealand (all competitions, last five): beat China 3-0 on September 27 in a friendly in Chongqing, drew 2-2 with Palestine on September 24 in a friendly in Chongqing, lost 1-5 to Belgium on June 27 at the World Cup, lost 1-3 to Egypt on June 21 at the World Cup, and drew 2-2 with Iran on June 16 at the World Cup.
Team News
Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen named a 27-man squad with 14 World Cup returnees and six uncapped players: goalkeeper Marcos De Leon, Jair Modelo, Joseph Jones, Josue Vergara, Daivis Murillo and Mijahir Jimenez. Christiansen has indicated he will field a stronger, more experienced lineup than the experimental side that drew with India. Omar Valencia scored Panama’s equalizer in that match, the second-half goal that salvaged the draw.
New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley selected a 23-man squad blending 16 World Cup returnees with new faces. Captain Chris Wood leads the group, along with World Cup scorers Eli Just and Finn Surman. Nineteen-year-old attacker Stipe Ukich earned his first senior call-up after breaking through with NK Istra 1961 in Croatia, while Henry Gray and George Stanger are also uncapped.
Owen Parker-Price, Sam Sutton, Dane Ingham and Dalton Wilkins return to the fold, with Parker-Price scoring in the win over China.
Key Storylines to Watch
Can Panama score? Panama left the World Cup as the only one of the 48 teams that failed to score, and the attack managed just one goal against India. Christiansen’s more experienced lineup will get its chance to fix that against New Zealand.
Wood against Panama’s back line. Panama’s defense was the bright spot of its World Cup, conceding four goals in three games after shipping 11 in 2018. New Zealand’s attack runs through the 1.91-meter Chris Wood, and Panama must handle his physical presence in the box.
New Zealand’s momentum. The All Whites are unbeaten in this window with five goals across the Palestine and China matches. Tyler Bindon, Ben Waine and Owen Parker-Price all scored against China, and confidence is high even with several World Cup regulars absent.
A first meeting with a final at stake. Neither team has faced the other at senior level. Ninety minutes in Yokohama decide who plays for the trophy and who plays for third place.
Head-to-Head
Panama and New Zealand have never met at senior men’s level, making this Kirin Cup semifinal the first encounter between the two nations.
Prediction
Panama 1-0 New Zealand. Panama’s defensive organization held up at the World Cup, and with Christiansen restoring his experienced core, they should edge a New Zealand side still evaluating new players.
FAQ
What time does Panama vs New Zealand kick off?
Kickoff is at 2:10 AM ET on Thursday, October 1, which is 1:10 AM CT and 11:10 PM PT on Wednesday, September 30.
What channel is Panama vs New Zealand on in the USA?
No U.S. TV channel has been confirmed for the match.
Can I stream Panama vs New Zealand in the USA?
No U.S. streaming option has been confirmed as of publication.
What does the winner of Panama vs New Zealand get?
The winner advances to the Kirin Cup final against Japan or Ecuador on October 5 at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo. The loser plays in the third-place playoff.
