The Miraculous Story Behind Panama Battling To Enter The World Cup

Panama had never made it to the World Cup until now. For the first time in history, Panama qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. To win their spot in the competition, they had to beat Costa Rica at home with hope that Trinidad and Tobago would do the same against USA. They all did.

Panamanian flag above Ancon Hill, Panama City

The Panamanian team, Los Canaleros, won the game that gave them fame within the final two minutes. Roman Torres made history for Panamanian football in that moment – history so grand the country declared the next day a new national holiday. Panamanians skipped work and school to celebrate in the streets with parades and drinks and everything symbolic of Panamanian pride.

The score at the end of the win on the fateful Tuesday night in Panama City was 2-1. Coach Dario Gomez celebrated the extraordinary victory with Roman Torres who kicked the winning goal after they beat Costa Rica.

Panama has tried to qualify for every football World Cup since 1978. The country will take part in the worldwide 2018 competition that will begin in Russia in June. Panama will be the 13th different side from the CONCACAF Zone to ever participate in the World Cup.

Keep your eyes peeled for Panama to bring its winning spirit to the World Cup for the first time ever this June.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.