India and Panama play to a 1-1 draw in Bengaluru friendly

The Indian men's national football team secured a 1-1 draw against Panama in an international friendly held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 25, 2026. The match marked the first senior meeting between the two sides.

India took the lead in the 41st minute through Ryan Williams, who capitalized on a pass from Akash Mishra to score after running behind the Panamanian defense. Panama, ranked 94 places higher than India in the FIFA rankings, responded in the 68th minute when Omar Valencia scored a long-range goal from outside the penalty area to equalize.

Panama's appearance follows their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while India's performance is part of a demanding international window that includes upcoming matches against Brazil and Uruguay in Kolkata. The match also featured five debuts for the Panamanian national team, including players such as Mijahir Jiménez and Marcos De León.