Panama's men's soccer team will hold its team base camp in New Tecumseth during the 2026 FIFA World Cup,
Announced this winter, the Panamanian squad will inhabit the Nottawasaga Resort & Conference Centre ahead of and during the tournament, which will have them play their first two matches in Toronto.
New Tecumseth is one of just two Canadian locations that will host a team base camp. Vancouver is also a potential host, but hasn't yet been chosen by a participating federation.
Although Panama will play its matches nearly 100 kilometres away, New Tecumseth Mayor Richard Norcross calls the selection a "tremendous opportunity" for the town.
“This global event will shine an international spotlight on our community and deliver meaningful economic and tourism benefits that extend well beyond the tournament,” he said in a news release. "Hosting a FIFA World Cup team further positions New Tecumseth as a destination for future sporting events, group travel, and international tourism."
During their stay in New Tecumseth, the Panamanian national team will prepare for their matches and train on two "world-class" pitches on the 2.32 sq. km resort property.
The town expects the presence of the athletes to generate increased interest in the area, which could strengthen the its reputation as a capable host of world‑class events.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Simcoe County to support the World Cup and highlight worldclass local partners like the Nottawasaga Resort,” Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke said in a news release. “International visitors regularly explore beyond their host venues, and through Tourism Simcoe County, we’re ready to welcome the world and spotlight the outstanding experiences found in New Tecumseth and across our region.”
This will be Panama's second time participating in the FIFA World Cup, having previously qualified in 2018 before finishing last overall (0-0-3).
Toronto will host its first two group stage matches of the tournament against Ghana and Croatia (June 17 and 23) before the squad finishes out the round against England in East Rutherford, N.J. on June 27.
